Fuel enrichment method and device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates, inter alia, to a process for enriching a hydrocarbon fuel for use in an internal combustion engine, the process comprising: (i) contacting a hydrocarbon fuel with a gas stream containing hydrogen gas such that at least some of the hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel; and optionally (ii) delivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to an internal combustion engine. The present invention further provides a device for use in the process.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the enrichment of hydrocarbon fuels,particularly for use with internal combustion engines. The presentinvention provides methods and devices for the enrichment of hydrocarbonfuels.

BACKGROUND

Current internal combustion engine fuel systems utilise a petrol/air ora diesel/air mixture which is subsequently ignited in the combustionchamber. A large and varied number of fuel systems for use on internalcombustion engines exist. A typical example is that of a petrol fuelledsystem that will utilise a carburettor in which the liquid fuel (petrol)is vaporised via a venturi through which atmospheric air is fed. Thefuel vapour/air mixture is subsequently drawn into the intake manifoldof the engine and finally into the cylinders where it is ignited by aspark. Engines running a diesel/air mixture use a fuel injection systemwhereby the fuel is injected into the combustion chamber under highpressure; this does not require the use of a spark for ignition.

Hydrogen generators, utilising electrolysis to break down water intohydrogen and oxygen, have been in existence for many years. Theelectrolysis works by passing an electric current though water (H₂O)which causes the water to revert to its' original constituent gases. Atthe negatively charged cathode, a reduction reaction takes place, withelectrons (e−) from the cathode being given to hydrogen cations(positively charged ions) to form hydrogen gas:

Cathode (reduction): 2 H+(aq)+2e−→H₂(g)

At the positively charged anode, an oxidation reaction occurs,generating oxygen gas and giving electrons to the cathode to completethe circuit:

Anode (oxidation): 2 H₂O(l)→O2(g)+4 H+(aq)+4e−

Electrolytic hydrogen generators have been used for enhancing the fuelefficiency of internal combustion engines. Such generators are sometimestermed HHO generators. Typically, hydrogen and oxygen produced in anelectrolytic cell is fed into the air intake manifold of an internalcombustion engine, which has been found to increase the fuel efficiencyof the internal combustion engines.

The present invention aims to improve or provide an alternative to thedevices of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides, in a first aspect, a process forenriching a hydrocarbon fuel for use in an internal combustion engine,the process comprising:

-   -   (i) contacting a hydrocarbon fuel with hydrogen gas and        optionally oxygen gas such that at least some of the hydrogen        gas and, if present, oxygen gas is introduced into the        hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel. The        process may further provide, after step (i):    -   (ii) delivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to an internal        combustion engine. The process may involve contacting the        hydrocarbon fuel with a gas stream containing the hydrogen gas        and a gas stream containing the oxygen gas, such that at least        some of the hydrogen gas and/or oxygen gas is introduced into        the hydrocarbon fuel to produce the enriched hydrocarbon fuel.        The process may involve contacting a gas stream containing the        hydrogen gas and the oxygen gas with the hydrocarbon fuel, such        that at least some of the hydrogen gas and/or oxygen gas is        introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce the enriched        hydrocarbon fuel.

The present invention provides, in a first aspect, a process forenriching a hydrocarbon fuel for use in an internal combustion engine,the process comprising:

-   -   (i) contacting a hydrocarbon fuel with a gas stream containing        hydrogen gas such that at least some of the hydrogen gas is        introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched        hydrocarbon fuel. The process may further provide, after step        (i):    -   (ii) delivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to an internal        combustion engine.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides, in a first aspect, aprocess for enriching a hydrocarbon fuel for use in an internalcombustion engine, the process comprising:

-   -   (i) contacting a hydrocarbon fuel with a gas stream containing        hydrogen gas such that at least some of the hydrogen gas is        introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched        hydrocarbon fuel; and    -   (ii) delivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to an internal        combustion engine.

In second aspect, the present invention provides a process for enrichinga hydrocarbon fuel, the process comprising:

-   -   generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in an electrolytic        process from water to produce a gas stream containing hydrogen        gas and optionally oxygen gas, and    -   contacting the gas stream with the hydrocarbon fuel such that at        least some of the hydrogen gas is introduced into the        hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a device for carryingout a process for enriching a hydrocarbon fuel for use in an internalcombustion engine, the device adapted to carrying out the processcomprising:

-   -   (i) contacting a hydrocarbon fuel with hydrogen gas and        optionally oxygen gas such that at least some of the hydrogen        gas and, if present, oxygen gas is introduced into the        hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel. The        device may be further adapted such that it can, after step        (i): (ii) deliver the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to an internal        combustion engine.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a device for enrichinghydrocarbon fuel, the device comprising:

-   -   a hydrogen source for producing a gas stream containing        hydrogen,    -   an enriching unit for contacting a hydrocarbon fuel and a gas        stream containing hydrogen such that at least some of the        hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce        an enriched hydrocarbon fuel, the hydrogen source being in fluid        connection with the enriching unit such that the gas stream        containing hydrogen is passed to the enriching unit, the        enriching unit having an inlet for the hydrocarbon fuel, and    -   an outlet for the enriched hydrocarbon fuel. Optionally, the        device may further comprise an oxygen source for producing a gas        stream containing oxygen, and the enriching unit is for        contacting a hydrocarbon fuel and the gas stream containing        oxygen such that at least some of the oxygen gas is introduced        into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbon        fuel, the oxygen source being in fluid connection with the        enriching unit such that the gas stream containing oxygen is        passed to the enriching unit. The gas stream containing hydrogen        and the gas stream containing oxygen may be the same gas stream        or different gas streams. The hydrogen source may be the same        source as the oxygen source or a different source from the        oxygen source. In an embodiment, the enriching unit may comprise        a pressurisation unit for contacting the hydrocarbon fuel and        the hydrogen and optionally oxygen under pressure. The        pressurisation of the hydrogen and oxygen may be by compressing        the gases. In an embodiment, the hydrogen source may be such        that it supplies sufficient hydrogen and optionally oxygen to        the enriching unit, such that a desired pressure is created        within the enriching unit and under which the hydrogen and        optionally oxygen are contacted with the hydrocarbon fuel.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a device for enrichinghydrocarbon fuel, the device comprising:

-   -   a hydrogen production unit for producing a gas stream containing        hydrogen,    -   an enriching unit for contacting a hydrocarbon fuel and a gas        stream containing hydrogen such that at least some of the        hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce        an enriched hydrocarbon fuel, the hydrogen production unit being        in fluid connection with the enriching unit such that the gas        stream containing hydrogen is passed to the enriching unit, the        enriching unit having an inlet for the hydrocarbon fuel, and    -   an outlet for the enriched hydrocarbon fuel. Optionally, the        device may further comprise an oxygen production unit for        producing a gas stream containing oxygen, and the enriching unit        is for contacting a hydrocarbon fuel and the gas stream        containing oxygen such that at least some of the oxygen gas is        introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched        hydrocarbon fuel, the oxygen production unit being in fluid        connection with the enriching unit such that the gas stream        containing oxygen is passed to the enriching unit. The gas        stream containing hydrogen and the gas stream containing oxygen        may be the same gas stream or different gas streams. The        hydrogen production unit may be the same unit as the oxygen        production unit or a different unit from the oxygen production        unit.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides an internalcombustion engine having a device of the present invention attachedthereto, the device having a conduit for delivery of the enrichedhydrocarbon fuel to a fuel and/or air intake of the internal combustionengine.

In recent times one of the major concerns related to internal combustionengines has been their emissions, both NOx (oxides of nitrogen) and COx(carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide). The device of the presentinvention can be used with any hydrocarbon fuel-based combustion engineto reduce the NOx output and the COx “footprint”. This is achieved byaddition of the hydrogen and optionally oxygen to the combustion processto give far more efficient combustion characteristics due to the highspeed/high temperature hydrogen combustion which improves the vehicleeconomy; the NOx output is reduced because some of the nitrogencontaining air is displaced from the hydrocarbon fuel and also becauseof the contained combustion volume. This also reduces the overall enginetemperature since heat transfer from the combustion process isminimised.

In at least some circumstances, the addition of the hydrogen to thehydrocarbon fuel has been found to improve the combustion of the fuel tosuch a degree that particulate output is dramatically reduced (in somecircumstances, almost to zero on diesel engines). In addition theprocess has been found to clean carbon deposits from engines that havebuilt up over time, thus reducing the overall friction of the engine(and hence further improving the efficiency). Finally, the fuel/oxidiser(e.g. air) mixture can be made much leaner due to the addition of thehydrogen which has a much higher equivalent octane rating than petrol,thus increasing the COx:fuel ratio (and hence reducing the carbonfootprint).

Whilst hydrogen/oxygen gas generators that can be used with internalcombustion engines have been available to buy for a few years the natureof use has been relatively simple i.e. mixing of the produced gas withthe fuel and air in the turbo manifold. The process of the presentinvention greatly enhances the way the gas is used to give optimisedperformance, which, in one embodiment, is by introducing the gases intothe fuel under compression in a pressurisation unit. This displacesunwanted dissolved gases in the fuel such as nitrogen and increases theoctane rating of the fuel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic block view of an embodiment of the device ofthe present invention attached to an internal combustion engine.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of an embodiment of the Fuel Enhancement Chamber(an embodiment of the device of the present invention) showing itsprinciple parts.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a purification unit comprising a gas scrubbingdevice.

FIG. 4 shows a diagram of a purification unit comprising a molecularsieve drying unit.

FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a further embodiment of the Fuel EnhancementChamber, which differs from that of FIG. 2 in that the piston is drivenby a screw mechanism, rather than a solenoid.

These drawings are referred to in the detailed description whichfollows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides, in a first aspect, a process forenriching a hydrocarbon fuel for use in an internal combustion engine,the process comprising:

-   -   (i) contacting a hydrocarbon fuel with hydrogen gas and        optionally oxygen gas such that at least some of the hydrogen        gas and, if present, oxygen gas is introduced into the        hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel. The        process may further provide, after step (i):    -   (ii) delivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to an internal        combustion engine. The process may involve contacting the        hydrocarbon fuel with a gas stream containing the hydrogen gas        and a gas stream containing the oxygen gas, such that at least        some of the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is introduced into the        hydrocarbon fuel to produce the enriched hydrocarbon fuel. The        gas stream containing the hydrogen gas and the gas stream        containing the oxygen gas may be the same stream or different        gas streams, preferably the same gas stream. In an alternative        embodiment, the process may involve providing gas containing        hydrogen gas and optionally oxygen gas and passing the liquid        hydrocarbon fuel through the gas containing hydrogen gas and        optionally oxygen gas, such that at least some of the hydrogen        and optionally oxygen is incorporated into the hydrocarbon fuel,        which may involve for example, if the hydrocarbon fuel is a        liquid hydrocarbon fuel, spraying the liquid hydrocarbon fuel        into the gas containing the hydrogen gas and optionally oxygen        gas. The process may involve contacting the hydrogen gas and/or        the oxygen gas with the hydrocarbon fuel, such that at least        some of the hydrogen gas and/or oxygen gas is introduced into        the hydrocarbon fuel to produce the enriched hydrocarbon fuel.        Preferably, the hydrogen gas and/or oxygen gas is contacted with        the hydrocarbon fuel under a pressure of about 1 bar or more,        optionally at a pressure of about 1.1 bar or more, optionally at        a pressure of about 1.2 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of        about 1.3 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 1.4 bar        or more, optionally at a pressure of about 1.5 bar or more,        optionally at a pressure of about 1.7 bar or more, optionally at        a pressure of about 2 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of        about 3 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 4 bar or        more, optionally at a pressure of about 5 bar or more,        optionally at a pressure of about 6 bar or more, optionally at a        pressure of about 8 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of        about 10 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 15 bar        or more, optionally at a pressure of about 20 bar or more,        optionally at a pressure of about 25 bar or more, optionally at        a pressure of about 30 bar or more. Optionally, in the process        of either the first or second aspect, preferably, the hydrogen        gas and/or oxygen gas is contacted with the hydrocarbon fuel        under a pressure of from about 1 bar to about 10 bar, optionally        about 1 bar to about 8 bar, optionally about 1 bar to about 7        bar, optionally about 1 bar to about 5 bar, optionally about 1.5        bar to about 4 bar.

The present invention provides, in a first aspect, a process forenriching a hydrocarbon fuel for use in an internal combustion engine,the process comprising:

-   -   (i) contacting a hydrocarbon fuel with a gas stream containing        hydrogen gas such that at least some of the hydrogen gas is        introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched        hydrocarbon fuel. The process may further provide, after step        (i):    -   (ii) delivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to an internal        combustion engine.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides, in a first aspect, aprocess for enriching a hydrocarbon fuel for use in an internalcombustion engine, the process comprising:

-   -   (i) contacting a hydrocarbon fuel with a gas stream containing        hydrogen gas such that at least some of the hydrogen gas is        introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched        hydrocarbon fuel; and    -   (ii) delivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to an internal        combustion engine.

The process of the first aspect may comprise

prior to step (i), generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in anelectrolytic process from water to produce a gas stream containinghydrogen gas and optionally oxygen gas,

in step (i), contacting the gas stream with the hydrocarbon fuel suchthat at least some of the hydrogen gas is introduced into thehydrocarbon fuel to produce the enriched hydrocarbon fuel; and,optionally,

(ii) delivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to the internal combustionengine. Optionally, the water may contain an electrolyte.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a process forenriching a hydrocarbon fuel, the process comprising:

-   -   generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in an electrolytic        process from water to produce a gas stream containing hydrogen        gas and optionally oxygen gas, and    -   contacting the gas stream with the hydrocarbon fuel such that at        least some of the hydrogen gas is introduced into the        hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel.        Optionally, the water may contain an electrolyte.

The process of the second aspect may comprise generating hydrogen gasand oxygen gas in an electrolytic process from water to produce a gasstream containing hydrogen gas and optionally oxygen gas, and

contacting the gas stream with the hydrocarbon fuel such that at leastsome of the hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel toproduce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel. Optionally, the water may containan electrolyte.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a device for carryingout a process for enriching a hydrocarbon fuel for use in an internalcombustion engine, the device adapted to carrying out a processcomprising:

-   -   (i) contacting a hydrocarbon fuel with hydrogen gas and        optionally oxygen gas such that at least some of the hydrogen        gas and, if present, oxygen gas is introduced into the        hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel. The        device may be further adapted such that it can, after step        (i): (ii) deliver the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to an internal        combustion engine. The contacting of the hydrocarbon fuel with        hydrogen gas and optionally oxygen gas may be carried out in an        enriching unit as described herein.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a device for enrichinghydrocarbon fuel, the device comprising:

-   -   a hydrogen source for producing a gas stream containing        hydrogen,    -   an enriching unit for contacting a hydrocarbon fuel and a gas        stream containing hydrogen such that at least some of the        hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce        an enriched hydrocarbon fuel, the hydrogen source being in fluid        connection with the enriching unit such that the gas stream        containing hydrogen is passed to the enriching unit, the        enriching unit having an inlet for the hydrocarbon fuel, and    -   an outlet for the enriched hydrocarbon fuel.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a device for enrichinghydrocarbon fuel, the device comprising:

-   -   a hydrogen production unit for producing a gas stream containing        hydrogen,    -   an enriching unit for contacting a hydrocarbon fuel and a gas        stream containing hydrogen such that at least some of the        hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce        an enriched hydrocarbon fuel, the hydrogen production unit being        in fluid connection with the enriching unit such that the gas        stream containing hydrogen is passed to the enriching unit, the        enriching unit having an inlet for the hydrocarbon fuel, and    -   an outlet for the enriched hydrocarbon fuel.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides an internalcombustion engine having a device of the present invention attachedthereto, the device having a conduit for delivery of the enrichedhydrocarbon fuel to a fuel and/or air intake of the internal combustionengine.

Optionally, in any of the processes of the first or second aspect, asdescribed herein, the enriched hydrocarbon fuel is delivered to aninternal combustion engine.

The processes of the first and second aspects may involve contacting thegas stream containing hydrogen with the hydrocarbon fuel such that atleast some of the hydrogen is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel toproduce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel. In the processes of the first andsecond aspects, the hydrocarbon fuel may be a liquid hydrocarbon fuel,and, in the contacting of the gas stream containing hydrogen with thehydrocarbon fuel such, at least some of the hydrogen is dissolved intothe liquid hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched liquid hydrocarbonfuel. The liquid hydrocarbon fuel may comprise, for example, petroleumor diesel. The hydrocarbon fuel is described in more detail below. Inthe present application, if hydrogen and optionally oxygen is/arecontacted with and optionally dissolved into the hydrocarbon fuel,preferably there is no change in the chemical structure of thehydrocarbon species within the fuel. For example, preferably, thehydrocarbon species in the hydrocarbon fuel are not chemically reactedwith the hydrogen, or, if present, oxygen during the contacting of thehydrogen and optionally oxygen with the hydrocarbon fuel.

The gas stream containing hydrogen preferably contains at least 10% byvolume of hydrogen gas, optionally at least 20% by volume, optionally atleast 30% by volume, optionally at least 40% by volume, optionally atleast 50% by volume, optionally at least 60% by volume hydrogen. In agas stream produced from the electrolysis of water, the gas stream maycomprise about 66% by volume hydrogen.

The gas stream containing hydrogen may further comprise oxygen. The gasstream containing hydrogen may contain at least 10% by volume of oxygen,optionally at least 20% by volume of oxygen, optionally at least 30% byvolume of oxygen. In a gas stream produced from the electrolysis ofwater, the gas stream may comprise about 33% by volume oxygen. Thecontacting of the gas stream, if it further comprises oxygen, with thehydrocarbon fuel, if it comprises a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, may involvedissolving at least some of the oxygen into the liquid hydrocarbon fuel.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a process for enrichinga hydrocarbon fuel for use in an internal combustion engine, the processcomprising:

-   -   (i) contacting a hydrocarbon fuel with a gas stream containing        hydrogen gas and oxygen gas such that at least some of the        hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon        fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel. The process may        further provide, after step (i):    -   (ii) delivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to an internal        combustion engine.

In the processes described above, e.g. for the first or second aspect,the hydrocarbon fuel may be contacted with the gas stream containinghydrogen such that at least some of the hydrogen gas is introduced intothe hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel.Optionally, the hydrocarbon fuel comprises or is a liquid hydrocarbonfuel, and the gas stream containing hydrogen may be passed through theliquid hydrocarbon fuel. Optionally, the hydrocarbon fuel comprises oris a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, and the gas stream containing hydrogen isdiffused into the liquid hydrocarbon fuel in the enriching unit. If thehydrocarbon fuel is a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, the passing or diffusingof the gas stream through the liquid hydrocarbon fuel preferablydissolves at least some of the hydrogen into the liquid hydrocarbonfuel. Preferably, the gas stream containing hydrogen is contacted withthe hydrocarbon fuel under a pressure of about 1 bar or more, optionallyat a pressure of about 1.1 bar or more, optionally at a pressure ofabout 1.2 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 1.3 bar ormore, optionally at a pressure of about 1.4 bar or more, optionally at apressure of about 1.5 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 1.7bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 2 bar or more, optionallyat a pressure of about 3 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about4 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 5 bar or more,optionally at a pressure of about 6 bar or more, optionally at apressure of about 8 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 10bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 15 bar or more,optionally at a pressure of about 20 bar or more, optionally at apressure of about 25 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 30bar or more. Optionally, in the process of either the first or secondaspect, preferably, the gas stream containing hydrogen is contacted withthe hydrocarbon fuel under a pressure of from about 1 bar to about 10bar, optionally about 1 bar to about 8 bar, optionally about 1 bar toabout 7 bar, optionally about 1 bar to about 5 bar, optionally about 1.5bar to about 4 bar. If the hydrocarbon fuel is or comprises a liquidhydrocarbon fuel, and the liquid hydrocarbon fuel is being delivered toan internal combustion engine using a fuel pump operating at a pressureP, with the gas stream containing hydrogen and the liquid hydrocarbonfuel being contacted after the liquid hydrocarbon fuel has left the fuelpump and before it is delivered to the internal combustion engine as anenriched liquid hydrocarbon fuel, the gas stream containing hydrogen ispreferably contacted with, e.g. passed through, the liquid hydrocarbonfuel at a pressure of more than P. If the hydrocarbon fuel is orcomprises a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, and, following the contacting withthe gas stream containing hydrogen gas, the liquid enriched hydrocarbonfuel is passed to an injector pump of an internal combustion engine forinjection into a combustion chamber of the engine, the injector pumphaving a working pressure P′, preferably the liquid hydrocarbon fuel iscontacted with the gas stream containing hydrogen gas at a pressure lessthan P′. The device of the third aspect may be adapted such that the gasstream containing hydrogen is contacted with the hydrocarbon fuel at thepressures mentioned above.

Preferably, the gas stream containing hydrogen is passed through thehydrocarbon fuel under a pressure of about 1 bar or more, optionally ata pressure of about 1.1 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about1.2 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 1.3 bar or more,optionally at a pressure of about 1.4 bar or more, optionally at apressure of about 1.5 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 1.7bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 2 bar or more, optionallyat a pressure of about 3 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about4 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 5 bar or more,optionally at a pressure of about 6 bar or more, optionally at apressure of about 8 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 10bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 15 bar or more,optionally at a pressure of about 20 bar or more, optionally at apressure of about 25 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 30bar or more. Optionally, in the process of either the first or secondaspect, preferably, the gas stream containing hydrogen is passed throughthe hydrocarbon fuel under a pressure of from about 1 bar to about 10bar, optionally about 1 bar to about 8 bar, optionally about 1 bar toabout 7 bar, optionally about 1 bar to about 5 bar, optionally about 1.5bar to about 4 bar. If the hydrocarbon fuel is or comprises a liquidhydrocarbon fuel, and the liquid hydrocarbon fuel is being delivered toan internal combustion engine using a fuel pump operating at a pressureP, with the gas stream containing hydrogen and the liquid hydrocarbonfuel being contacted after the liquid hydrocarbon fuel has left the fuelpump and before it is delivered to the internal combustion engine as anenriched liquid hydrocarbon fuel, the gas stream containing hydrogen ispreferably passed through the liquid hydrocarbon fuel at a pressure ofmore than P. If the hydrocarbon fuel is or comprises a liquidhydrocarbon fuel, and, following the contacting with the gas streamcontaining hydrogen gas, the liquid enriched hydrocarbon fuel is passedto an injector pump of an internal combustion engine for injection intoa combustion chamber of the engine, the injector pump having a workingpressure P′, preferably the gas stream containing hydrogen gas is passedthrough the liquid hydrocarbon fuel at a pressure less than P′. Thedevice of the third aspect, may be adapted such that the gas streamcontaining hydrogen is passed through the hydrocarbon fuel at thepressures mentioned above.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a process for enrichinga hydrocarbon fuel for use in an internal combustion engine, the processcomprising:

-   -   (i) contacting a liquid hydrocarbon fuel with a gas stream        containing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas such that at least some        of the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is introduced into, e.g.        dissolved into, the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched        hydrocarbon fuel. The process may further provide, after step        (i):

(ii) delivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to an internal combustionengine. Preferably, the gas stream containing hydrogen gas and oxygengas is contacted with the hydrocarbon fuel under a pressure of about 1bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 1.1 bar or more,optionally at a pressure of about 1.2 bar or more, optionally at apressure of about 1.3 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 1.4bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 1.5 bar or more,optionally at a pressure of about 1.7 bar or more, optionally at apressure of about 2 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 3 baror more, optionally at a pressure of about 4 bar or more, optionally ata pressure of about 5 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 6bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 8 bar or more, optionallyat a pressure of about 10 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about15 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 20 bar or more,optionally at a pressure of about 25 bar or more, optionally at apressure of about 30 bar or more. Optionally, in the process of eitherthe first or second aspect, preferably, the gas stream containinghydrogen gas and oxygen gas is contacted with the hydrocarbon fuel undera pressure of from about 1 bar to about 10 bar, optionally about 1 barto about 8 bar, optionally about 1 bar to about 7 bar, optionally about1 bar to about 5 bar, optionally about 1.5 bar to about 4 bar. If thehydrocarbon fuel is or comprises a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, and theliquid hydrocarbon fuel is being delivered to an internal combustionengine using a fuel pump operating at a pressure P, with the gas streamcontaining hydrogen gas and oxygen gas and the liquid hydrocarbon fuelbeing contacted after the liquid hydrocarbon fuel has left the fuel pumpand before it is delivered to the internal combustion engine as anenriched liquid hydrocarbon fuel, the gas stream containing hydrogen gasand oxygen gas is preferably contacted with the liquid hydrocarbon fuelat a pressure of more than P. If the hydrocarbon fuel is or comprises aliquid hydrocarbon fuel, and, following the contacting with the gasstream containing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, the liquid enrichedhydrocarbon fuel is passed to an injector pump of an internal combustionengine for injection into a combustion chamber of the engine, theinjector pump having a working pressure P′, preferably the liquidhydrocarbon fuel is contacted with the gas stream containing hydrogengas and oxygen gas at a pressure less than P′. The device of the thirdaspect, may be adapted such that it produces the gas stream containinghydrogen and oxygen, the gas stream containing hydrogen and oxygen beingcontacted with the hydrocarbon fuel at the pressures mentioned above.

Preferably, the gas stream containing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas ispassed through the hydrocarbon fuel under a pressure of about 1 bar ormore, optionally at a pressure of about 1.1 bar or more, optionally at apressure of about 1.2 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 1.3bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 1.4 bar or more,optionally at a pressure of about 1.5 bar or more, optionally at apressure of about 1.7 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 2bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 3 bar or more, optionallyat a pressure of about 4 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about5 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 6 bar or more,optionally at a pressure of about 8 bar or more, optionally at apressure of about 10 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 15bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 20 bar or more,optionally at a pressure of about 25 bar or more, optionally at apressure of about 30 bar or more. Optionally, in the process of eitherthe first or second aspect, preferably, the gas stream containinghydrogen gas and oxygen gas is passed through the hydrocarbon fuel undera pressure of from about 1 bar to about 10 bar, optionally about 1 barto about 8 bar, optionally about 1 bar to about 7 bar, optionally about1 bar to about 5 bar, optionally about 1.5 bar to about 4 bar. If thehydrocarbon fuel is or comprises a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, and theliquid hydrocarbon fuel is being delivered to an internal combustionengine using a fuel pump operating at a pressure P, with the gas streamcontaining hydrogen gas and oxygen gas and the liquid hydrocarbon fuelbeing contacted after the liquid hydrocarbon fuel has left the fuel pumpand before it is delivered to the internal combustion engine as anenriched liquid hydrocarbon fuel, the gas stream containing hydrogen gasand oxygen gas is preferably passed through the liquid hydrocarbon fuelat a pressure of more than P. If the hydrocarbon fuel is or comprises aliquid hydrocarbon fuel, and, following the contacting with the gasstream containing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, the liquid enrichedhydrocarbon fuel is passed to an injector pump of an internal combustionengine for injection into a combustion chamber of the engine, theinjector pump having a working pressure P′, preferably the gas streamcontaining hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is passed through the liquidhydrocarbon fuel at a pressure less than P′. The device of the thirdaspect, may be adapted such that it produces a gas stream containinghydrogen gas and oxygen gas, the gas stream containing hydrogen andoxygen being passed through the hydrocarbon fuel at the pressuresmentioned above.

In an embodiment, the enriched hydrocarbon fuel is delivered to aninternal combustion engine. The enriched hydrocarbon fuel may bedelivered to the internal combustion engine at a suitable volumetricrate (typically measured in L/min), which will depend on the type of theengine and the mechanical equipment to which it may be attached, such asa vehicle. This may, for example on some vehicles, be in the region of0.05 L/min to 1 L/min, optionally in the region of 0.1 L/min to 0.5L/min.

The contacting of the gas stream containing hydrogen and the hydrocarbonfuel may be carried out at ambient temperature, for example atemperature of at or above −10° C., optionally from −10° C. to 30° C.Optionally, the contacting of the gas stream and the hydrocarbon fuelmay be carried out in the fuel enrichment unit at a temperature abovethe ambient temperature outside of the fuel enrichment unit. Optionally,the contacting of the gas stream and the hydrocarbon fuel may be carriedout in the fuel enrichment unit at a temperature at or above 30° C.,optionally above 40° C., optionally above 50° C.

The gas stream containing hydrogen may be contacted with the hydrocarbonfuel at a suitable rate such that such that at least some of thehydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce anenriched hydrocarbon fuel. The gas stream containing hydrogen may bepassed through the hydrocarbon fuel, optionally diffused through thehydrocarbon fuel, to produced the enriched hydrocarbon fuel, which isthen passed to an internal combustion engine. In a preferred embodiment,the ratio of ‘volumetric rate of delivery of the enriched hydrocarbonfuel to the internal combustion engine (in L/min):volumetric rate ofhydrogen in the gas stream containing hydrogen contacted or passedthrough the hydrocarbon fuel to produce the enriched hydrocarbon fuel(in L/min)’ is 10:1 to 1:50, preferably 1:1 to 1:15, more preferably 1:4to 1:12.

In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of ‘volumetric rate of delivery ofthe enriched hydrocarbon fuel to the internal combustion engine (inL/min):volumetric rate of total volume of gas stream containing hydrogencontacted or passed through the hydrocarbon fuel to produce the enrichedhydrocarbon fuel (in L/min)’ is 20:3 to 1:75, preferably 3:2 to 1:22.5,more preferably 1:6 to 1:18.

Optionally, in the process of either the first or second aspect, theenriched hydrocarbon fuel is maintained at pressure of about 1 bar ormore, optionally at a pressure of about 1.1 bar or more, optionally at apressure of about 1.2 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 1.3bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 1.4 bar or more,optionally at a pressure of about 1.5 bar or more, optionally at apressure of about 1.7 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 2bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 3 bar or more, optionallyat a pressure of about 4 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about5 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 6 bar or more,optionally at a pressure of about 8 bar or more, optionally at apressure of about 10 bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 15bar or more, optionally at a pressure of about 20 bar or more,optionally at a pressure of about 25 bar or more, optionally at apressure of about 30 bar or more, until it is delivered to an internalcombustion engine. If the hydrocarbon fuel is or comprises a liquidhydrocarbon fuel, and the liquid hydrocarbon fuel is being delivered toan internal combustion engine using a fuel pump operating at a pressureP, with the gas stream containing hydrogen and the liquid hydrocarbonfuel being contacted after the liquid hydrocarbon fuel has left the fuelpump and before it is delivered to the internal combustion engine as anenriched liquid hydrocarbon fuel, the enriched liquid hydrocarbon fuelis maintained at a pressure of more than P until it is delivered to theinternal combustion engine.

The enriching unit may comprise a device (otherwise termed herein anenrichment device) for diffusing gas into a liquid, comprising:

-   -   a first gas chamber portion having a gas inlet for introducing        gas into the first gas chamber portion;    -   a liquid chamber portion having a liquid inlet for introducing        liquid into the liquid chamber portion and a liquid outlet,        wherein the first gas chamber portion and the liquid chamber        portion are in fluid communication with each other; and    -   means for pressurising the first gas chamber portion,    -   wherein when the first gas chamber portion is pressurised, the        gas in the first gas chamber portion is diffused into the liquid        in the liquid chamber portion.

The means for pressurising the first gas chamber portion may be anymeans that can reduce the volume within which the gas in the first gaschamber portion is contained or increase the amount of gas within thefirst gas chamber or a combination thereof. The means for pressurisingthe first gas chamber portion may comprise a piston slidablydisplaceable within the first gas chamber portion.

Preferably, the piston is arranged to be driven by any suitable means,including, but not limited to, an electrical means for example asolenoid, pneumatic means for example compressed gas, or a screw pump.The piston can be driven a desired number of cycles per minute,typically about 10 to about 30, and preferably about 15 to about 25,most preferably at about 20 cycles per minute.

Preferably, the gas inlet in the first gas chamber portion is providedwith a gas inlet valve which is arranged to control the supply of gas tothe first gas chamber portion.

Preferably, the gas inlet valve is a solenoid valve.

Optionally, the first gas chamber portion is provided with a pressurerelief valve.

The enrichment device may further comprise a non-return valve disposedbetween the first gas chamber portion and the liquid chamber portionthat allows fluid flow from the first gas chamber portion to the liquidchamber portion.

The enrichment device may further comprise a diffuser screen disposedwithin the liquid chamber portion, wherein, in use, the gas passesthrough the diffuser screen so as to promote uniform diffusion of thegas into the liquid. Optionally, the liquid chamber portion and thefirst gas chamber portion are separated from each other by a partitionprovided with a fluid passageway, wherein the diffuser screen isresiliently biased towards the partition such that when the gas in thefirst gas chamber portion is pressurised the diffuser screen moves awayfrom the partition allowing the pressurised gas to flow to a region ofthe liquid chamber portion between the partition and the diffuser screenand through the diffuser screen into the liquid in the liquid chamberportion.

Optionally, the liquid inlet is provided with a non-return valve thatallows fluid flow into the liquid chamber.

The enrichment device may further comprise a second gas chamber portionthat is in fluid communication with the liquid chamber portion through asemi-permeable membrane, the second gas chamber portion having a gasoutlet, wherein in use gas can flow from the liquid chamber portionthrough the semi-permeable membrane into the second gas chamber portionand exit the device through the gas outlet. The semi-permeable membrane,may be selective for either hydrogen (over hydrocarbons) or hydrocarbons(over hydrogen), to produce, in use, a permeate enriched, respectively,in hydrogen or hydrocarbons, with the retentate being enriched,respectively, in hydrocarbons or hydrogen. Such semi-permeable membranesare described below.

Optionally, the gas outlet is provided with a gas outlet valve, which isoptionally a solenoid valve.

The enrichment device may further comprise an intermediate chamberportion situated between the liquid chamber portion and the second gaschamber portion, the intermediate chamber portion being separated fromthe liquid chamber portion by a baffle plate and from the second gaschamber portion by the semi-permeable membrane.

The liquid inlet in the first gas chamber portion may be in fluidconnection with a source of hydrocarbon fuel, optionally a source ofliquid hydrocarbon fuel. The gas inlet of the first gas chamber portionmay be in fluid connection with a hydrogen source and/or an oxygensource. The gas inlet of the first gas chamber portion may be in fluidconnection with a hydrogen production unit and/or an oxygen productionunit.

Optionally, in a vehicle comprising the enrichment device, an internalcombustion engine having one or more fuel injector pumps, a fuel tank,the liquid inlet of the enrichment device is in fluid communication withthe vehicle fuel tank, the gas inlet is in fluid communication with ahydrogen source or a hydrogen production unit, which may be as describedherein, and the liquid outlet is in fluid communication with the one ormore fuel injector pumps of the internal combustion engine.

Optionally, in using the enriching unit, the liquid is a liquidhydrocarbon fuel and the gas diffused into the liquid in the liquidchamber portion is a gas stream containing hydrogen and optionallyoxygen, and the pressure in the liquid chamber portion is a pressure forcontacting the hydrocarbon fuel with the gas stream containing hydrogen,as described herein.

Optionally, in the process of either the first or second aspect, theenriched hydrocarbon fuel is heated to a temperature of about 50° C. ormore. The enriched hydrocarbon fuel may be heated to a temperature ofabout 50 or more.

Optionally, in the process of either the first or second aspect, theenriched hydrocarbon fuel is heated to a temperature of about 50° C. ormore, and then passed to an internal combustion engine.

Optionally, in the process of either the first or second aspect, theenriched hydrocarbon fuel is placed in a magnetic field, and thendelivered to an internal combustion engine. Optionally, in the processof either the first or second aspect, the enriched hydrocarbon fuel isheated to a temperature of about 50° C. or more and placed in a magneticfield, and then delivered to an internal combustion engine. The magneticfield may be generated by any suitable magnet or magnets. The magnet ormagnets may be permanent or electromagnets. Preferably, the magneticfield produced by the magnet or magnets is an oscillating magneticfield. The maximum strength of the oscillating magnetic field may be atleast 0.5 T, optionally, at least 1 T, optionally at least 2 T. Thefield may oscillate with a frequency of at least 1 Hz, optionally atleast 10 Hz, optionally at least 100 Hz, optionally at least 1000 Hz,optionally at least 10 MHz, optionally at least 100 MHz, optionally atleast 300 MHz, optionally at least 500 MHz. Optionally, the magneticfield may be a produced by superheterodyne magnets. Such magnets areknown to the skilled person.

Optionally, in the process of either the first or second aspect, theprocess comprises:

-   -   generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in an electrolytic        process from water in a first electrolytic cell, and producing a        first gas stream containing hydrogen and optionally oxygen,    -   generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in an electrolytic        process from water in a second electrolytic cell, and producing        a second gas stream containing oxygen and optionally hydrogen    -   contacting the first gas stream with the hydrocarbon fuel such        that at least some of the hydrogen gas is introduced into the        hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel, and        optionally delivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to an        internal combustion engine, and    -   optionally delivering the second gas stream to the internal        combustion engine, the second gas stream contacting the enriched        hydrocarbon fuel in the internal combustion engine. Optionally,        at least some of the hydrogen gas from the second cell is        contacted with the hydrocarbon fuel, such that at least some of        the hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to        produce the enriched hydrocarbon fuel. Optionally, the water in        the first and/or second electrolytic cell comprises an        electrolyte, which may be as described herein.

Optionally, in the process of either the first or second aspect, thecontacting of the gas stream containing hydrogen gas with thehydrocarbon fuel produces the enriched hydrocarbon fuel and a gaseousmixture, the process further comprising separating the enrichedhydrocarbon fuel and the gaseous mixture,

optionally delivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to the internalcombustion engine, optionally at a fuel inlet, and

optionally delivering the gaseous mixture to the internal combustionengine, optionally at an air inlet. The separating of the enrichedhydrocarbon fuel and the gaseous mixture may be effected by any suitablemeans. Preferably, the enriched hydrocarbon fuel and gaseous mixture arecontacted with a semi-permeable membrane, which is selective for eitherhydrogen (over hydrocarbons) or hydrocarbons (over hydrogen), to producea permeate enriched, respectively, in hydrogen or hydrocarbons, with theretentate being enriched, respectively, in hydrocarbons or hydrogen.Such semi-permeable membranes are known to the skilled person. Thepresent inventors have found that it is preferable for the enrichedhydrocarbon fuel and gaseous mixture are contacted with a semi-permeablemembrane, which is selective for either hydrogen (over hydrocarbons).The membrane may, for example, comprise a glassy membrane, such aspolyetherimide, which is generally selective for small molecules, suchas hydrogen, over hydrocarbons. Such semi-permeable membranes arepreferably selected from materials including polyimides, polysulfones,and polyethylene or polypropylene. The membrane may be a membrane asdescribed in WO 2004/039874. The membrane may be a mixed matrixmembrane. The membrane is preferably a porous membrane having pores witha size of at least 10 microns, optionally at least 100 microns. Themembrane is preferably a porous sintered polyethylene or polypropylenemembrane having pores having a pore size of 10 to 100 microns,optionally having a thickness of from 0.75 to 10 mm. Such membranes areavailable under the tradename i-Vyon and are produced by PorvairFiltration Group.

Optionally, in the process of either the first or second aspect, theenriched hydrocarbon fuel is passed to an internal combustion engine,the internal combustion engine is running and unused hydrocarbon fuelfrom the internal combustion engine is circulated such that, after ithas left the internal combustion engine, it is contacted with the gasstream containing hydrogen such that at least some of the hydrogen gasis introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enrichedhydrocarbon fuel, and then passed back to the internal combustionengine.

Optionally, the process is controlled by an electronic fuel injectionenhancement device (an EFIE device). Such devices are known to thoseskilled in the art. Such devices are typically adapted such that, whenattached to the wiring connecting an oxygen sensor of a vehicle to thevehicle's computer, an offset to the voltage coming from the oxygensensor is applied. This effectively informs the vehicle's computer thatthe oxygen content within the engine is at a normal level, and avoidsthe vehicle, for example, pumping more fuel into the engine when thiswould not be desirable. The EFIE devices can optionally control one ormore other processes in or related to an internal combustion engine,including, but not limited to, launch control, boost, water injection,nitrous injection, fuel injection devices, drive manifold componentssuch as manifold flaps, solenoids within the engine and associateddevices e.g. cam solenoids.

Optionally, the process is controlled by a two-dimensional (sometimestermed a two-map) electronic fuel injection enhancement device,optionally a three-dimensional electronic (or three-map) fuel injectionenhancement device, optionally a four-dimensional (or four-map)electronic fuel injection enhancement device, preferably a fivedimensional (or five-map) electronic fuel injection enhancement device.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a device for enrichinghydrocarbon fuel, the device comprising:

-   -   a hydrogen source for producing a gas stream containing        hydrogen,    -   an enriching unit for contacting a hydrocarbon fuel and a gas        stream containing hydrogen such that at least some of the        hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce        an enriched hydrocarbon fuel, the hydrogen source being in fluid        connection with the enriching unit such that the gas stream        containing hydrogen is passed to the enriching unit, the        enriching unit having an inlet for the hydrocarbon fuel, and    -   an outlet for the enriched hydrocarbon fuel.

The device may be used for carrying out the process of the first aspect,the process further comprising providing hydrogen from the hydrogensource, and then, in step (i) contacting the hydrogen gas with thehydrocarbon fuel in the enriching unit.

As mentioned above, the present invention provides, in a third aspect, adevice for enriching hydrocarbon fuel, the device comprising:

-   -   a hydrogen production unit for producing a gas stream containing        hydrogen,    -   an enriching unit for contacting a hydrocarbon fuel and a gas        stream containing hydrogen such that at least some of the        hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce        an enriched hydrocarbon fuel, the hydrogen production unit being        in fluid connection with the enriching unit such that the gas        stream containing hydrogen is passed to the enriching unit, the        enriching unit having an inlet for the hydrocarbon fuel, and    -   an outlet for the enriched hydrocarbon fuel.

The device may be used for carrying out the process of the first aspect,the process further comprising producing hydrogen in the hydrogenproduction unit, and then, in step (i) contacting the hydrogen gas withthe hydrocarbon fuel in the enriching unit.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a device for enrichinghydrocarbon fuel, the device comprising:

-   -   a hydrogen source and an oxygen source for producing a gas        stream containing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas    -   an enriching unit for contacting a hydrocarbon fuel and a gas        stream containing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas such that at least        some of the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is introduced into the        hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel, the        hydrogen production unit being in fluid connection with the        enriching unit such that the gas stream containing hydrogen gas        and oxygen gas is passed to the enriching unit, the enriching        unit having an inlet for the hydrocarbon fuel, and    -   an outlet for the enriched hydrocarbon fuel.

The device may be used for carrying out the process of the first aspect,the process further comprising providing hydrogen from the hydrogensource and oxygen from the oxygen source, and then, in step (i)contacting the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas with the hydrocarbon fuel inthe enriching unit.

As mentioned above, the present invention provides, in a third aspect, adevice for enriching hydrocarbon fuel, the device comprising:

-   -   a hydrogen production unit and an oxygen production unit for        producing a gas stream containing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas,    -   an enriching unit for contacting a hydrocarbon fuel and a gas        stream containing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas such that at least        some of the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is introduced into the        hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel, the        hydrogen production unit being in fluid connection with the        enriching unit such that the gas stream containing hydrogen gas        and oxygen gas is passed to the enriching unit, the enriching        unit having an inlet for the hydrocarbon fuel, and    -   an outlet for the enriched hydrocarbon fuel.

The device may be used for carrying out the process of the first aspect,the process further comprising producing hydrogen in the hydrogenproduction unit and oxygen in the oxygen production unit, and then, instep (i) contacting the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas with the hydrocarbonfuel in the enriching unit.

The hydrogen source or hydrogen production unit may be any suitable unitfor supplying hydrogen gas to the enriching unit. The hydrogen source orhydrogen production unit may be a unit that can store hydrogen andsupply hydrogen gas as required to the enriching unit. A unit that canstore hydrogen may store the hydrogen in gaseous, liquid or chemicallybound form, and release it as required.

Units for storing hydrogen in its gaseous form are known to the skilledperson and may comprise a chamber, typically a cylinder, containinghydrogen under pressure that can be released upon opening a valve. Theunit for storing hydrogen may be a unit typically termed a hydrogen tank(otherwise known as a hydrogen cartridge or canister), which can storehydrogen under pressure, such as pressures from about 150 bar or more,optionally from about 300 bar or more, optionally from about 500 bar ormore.

Units for storing hydrogen in its liquid state are known to the skilledperson. Such units typically store the hydrogen under pressure and atvery low temperatures, e.g. a temperature of about 20.28 K.

The unit for storing hydrogen may be a unit that stores hydrogen in achemically bound form. Such units can include materials that bind tohydrogen, and release it when desired, typically by heating thematerials. Such materials are known to the skilled person. The unit mayinclude a material such as a metal hydride, where the metal may beselected from an alkali metal, alkali earth metal and a transitionmetal; a metal organic framework; carbon nanotubes; and imidazoliumionic liquids. Other materials known to the skilled person may be used.Such materials for hydrogen storage are described in the art.

The oxygen source or oxygen production unit may be any suitable unit forsupplying oxygen gas to the enriching unit. The oxygen source or oxygenproduction unit may be a unit that can store oxygen and supply oxygengas as required to the enriching unit. A unit that can store oxygen maystore the oxygen in gaseous, liquid or chemically bound form, andrelease it as required.

Units for storing oxygen in its gaseous form are known to the skilledperson and may comprise a chamber, typically a cylinder, containingoxygen under pressure that can be released upon opening a valve. Theunit for storing oxygen may be a unit typically termed a oxygen tank(otherwise known as a oxygen cartridge or canister), which can storeoxygen under pressure, such as pressures from about 150 bar or more,optionally from about 300 bar or more, optionally from about 500 bar ormore. Typically, oxygen is stored at a pressure of 200 bar or less.

Units for storing oxygen in its liquid state are known to the skilledperson. Such units typically store the oxygen under pressure, typicallyup to pressures of 200 bar, and at very low temperatures, e.g. atemperature of about 90.19 K or less.

Preferably the hydrogen source or production unit is a unit that canproduce hydrogen from one or more chemical substances. The hydrogen maybe produced, in a method selected from a steam reforming process fromhydrocarbon fuels, for example methane, reforming of an alkanol, such asmethanol, and an electrolysis from a suitable medium, for example water.The hydrogen source or hydrogen production unit is preferably one thatcan produce hydrogen from one or more chemical substances, since thehydrogen gas can be produced when required, which avoids the need tohave to store large volumes of hydrogen gas or having to store it in itsliquid form, which requires high pressure and low temperatures.

Preferably the oxygen source or production unit is a unit that canproduce oxygen from one or more chemical substances. The oxygen may beproduced, for example, in an electrolytic process from a suitablemedium, such as water. In an embodiment, the oxygen may be produced in achemical oxygen generator. A chemical oxygen generator is a generator ofoxygen from a chemical reaction, typically without any requirement forelectrolysis. For example, a chemical oxygen generator may produceoxygen by reaction of an oxygen-containing species with another species.The oxygen-containing species may, for example, be selected from asuperoxide, a chlorate, a perchlorate and an ozonide. An examplecommercially available oxygen generator produces oxygen from thereaction of sodium chlorate (NaClO₃), barium peroxide (BaO₂) andpotassium perchlorate (KClO₄) with a lead styphnate and tetrazenemixture. A further example of a unit for producing oxygen is a chloratecandle, sometimes termed an oxygen candle, which generates oxygen from amix of sodium chlorate and iron powder. Most preferably, the oxygensource or oxygen production unit is a unit that comprises one or morecells for the electrolytic production of oxygen.

The hydrogen source and oxygen source may be the same or differentsources. The hydrogen production unit and oxygen production unit may bethe same or different units.

Most preferably, the hydrogen source or the hydrogen production unit isa unit that comprises one or more cells for the electrolytic productionof hydrogen, preferably the electrolytic production of hydrogen andoxygen from a suitable liquid medium. Most preferably, the oxygen sourceor the oxygen production unit is a unit that comprises one or more cellsfor the electrolytic production of oxygen, preferably the electrolyticproduction of hydrogen and oxygen from a suitable liquid medium. Theliquid medium may comprise water and optionally one or moreelectrolytes. The electrolytes may be selected from an organic acid,such as acetic acid; a metal carbonate, where the metal may, forexample, be an alkali metal, e.g. potassium or sodium, e.g. in K₂CO₃;and a metal hydroxide, where the metal may, metal may, for example, bean alkali metal, e.g. potassium or sodium. The one or more cells for theelectrolytic production of hydrogen and oxygen may comprise a means forrefilling the cells with water as required.

The electrolytic cell may be any suitable cell for the generation ofhydrogen gas. Typical cells include a chamber comprising water, one ormore electrodes C that can act as cathodes and one or more electrodes Athat can act as anodes, the electrodes being in contact with the water.The cell may include a plurality of electrodes A and a plurality ofelectrodes C. The electrodes A and C may be in any suitable form, forexample in elongated form, such as a cylinder, or in the form of aplate. The electrodes A and C may be arranged as a series of plates inan alternating manner, i.e. wherein, aside from the end plates in theseries, each electrode A is disposed between two electrodes C, and eachelectrode C being disposed between two electrodes A, wherein adjacentelectrodes have a non-conductive substrate, e.g. a non-conductivegasket, disposed between them. In a preferred embodiment, a conductiveneutral substrate is disposed between an adjacent electrode A and anadjacent electrode C. A conductive neutral substrate is one which, whenthe cell is in operation, does not have an electric charge applied toit, unlike the electrodes A and C. The conductive neutral substratepreferably contacts the water in the cell. Optionally, if the cellcomprises a plurality of electrodes A and a plurality of electrodes Carranged in series in an alternating manner, as described above, aconductive neutral substrate is disposed between each adjacent electrodeA and electrode C, and a non-conductive substrate, e.g. a non-conductivegasket, is disposed between each electrode and adjacent conductiveneutral substrate. The one or more electrodes A and the one or moreelectrodes C may be fully or partially submerged in water. Preferably,the electrodes are partially submerged in water. The electrodes A and Cmay comprise any suitable conducting material. The electrodes maycomprise for example a metal. The metal may be selected from, forexample, platinum, copper and stainless steel. The stainless steel may,for example, be a 316 or 304 stainless steel.

The electrolytic cell is operated by attaching the one or moreelectrodes A and one or more electrodes C to an electrical power source,such that the electrodes A act as anodes and the electrodes C act ascathodes. In operation, in a vehicle comprising an alternator, theelectrolytic cell is preferably electrically connected to thealternator, such that it can draw power from the alternator and carryout the electrolytic generation of hydrogen and oxygen.

The water in the electrolytic cell may comprise an electrolyte topromote the conductance of the water. The electrolyte may be anysuitable ionic species that can dissolve in the water, and allow thecell to produce hydrogen. Such electrolytes are known to the skilledperson. The electrolyte may, for example, be an alkali metal hydroxide,optionally selected from sodium or potassium hydroxide.

The process of the first aspect may further comprise (i) producing a gasstream containing hydrogen gas from the hydrogen source or in thehydrogen production unit, and then, passing the gas stream from thehydrogen source or the hydrogen production unit through a purificationunit to remove one or more species other than hydrogen gas to produce apurified gas stream containing hydrogen gas, and, in step (ii),contacting the purified gas stream containing hydrogen gas with thehydrocarbon fuel such that at least some of the hydrogen gas isintroduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce the enriched hydrocarbonfuel. The contacting may be carried out in the enriching unit, asdescribed herein. “Removing one or more species” includes reducing theconcentration (e.g. in mass of the one or more species per volume of thegas stream or volume of the one or more species per volume of the gasstream) in the gas stream containing hydrogen. It may reduce theconcentration of the one or more species by 50%, optionally by 80%,optionally by 90%, optionally by 95%, where the concentration of thespecies is mass of the one or more species per volume of the gas streamor volume of the one or more species per volume of the gas stream.Optionally, the one or more species may be removed completely from thegas stream.

The process of the second aspect may further comprise, generating thehydrogen gas and the oxygen gas in the electrolytic process to produce agas stream containing hydrogen gas and optionally oxygen gas, passingthe gas stream through a purification unit to remove one or more speciesother than hydrogen to produce a purified gas stream, contacting thepurified gas stream with the hydrocarbon fuel such that at least some ofthe hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce anenriched hydrocarbon fuel.

The purification unit preferably removes one or more species other thanhydrogen. The one or more species other than hydrogen may be removedentirely or in part from the gas stream. Preferably, if the gas streamcontaining hydrogen comprises oxygen, oxygen is not removed, since thishas been found to enhance the combustion process of the enrichedhydrocarbon fuel within an internal combustion engine.

The purification unit preferably removes a species from the gas streamthat is soluble in water. If the gas stream being purified has beenproduced in an electrolytic process that uses water containing anelectrolyte, the purification unit is preferably adapted to remove theelectrolyte species that may be present in the gas stream. The one ormore species may be acid or alkaline when dissolved in water.

The purification unit preferably comprises one or more chamberscontaining a polar liquid medium, the one or more chambers being adaptedfor passing the gas stream containing hydrogen through the polar liquidmedium in the one or more chambers. The polar liquid medium may comprisea polar protic solvent. The polar liquid medium preferably compriseswater, most preferably deionised water.

The purification unit preferably comprises one or more desiccation unitsfor removal of water from the gas stream. The desiccation unit may beany known means for the removal of water. The desiccation means maycomprise any suitable material that is suitable for the removal of waterfrom a gas. The desiccation unit may comprise a hygroscopic material.The hygroscopic material may include a hygroscopic inorganic salt,including, but not limited to, metal halides and metal hydroxides. Themetal may be selected from alkali metals, alkali earth metals andtransition metals. The hygroscopic material may be selected from zincchloride, calcium chloride, potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide.

In a preferable embodiment, the one or more desiccation units compriseone or more molecular sieves for the removal of water. The one or moremolecular sieves may comprise a zeolite. The zeolite is preferablycapable of allowing hydrogen gas to pass through, but remove water fromthe gas stream passing through the zeolite. The zeolite is preferablyselected from zeolite 3A, 4A, 5A and 13X. Most preferably, the zeoliteis selected from zeolite 4A and 5A. The one or more molecular sieves maybe in particulate form, for example as a powder or pellets. In anembodiment, the one or more desiccation units may comprise a chamberthrough which the gas stream containing hydrogen gas is passed, thechamber comprising one or more molecular sieves. The one or moremolecular sieves may be in particulate form filling, completely or atleast partially, the chamber in the desiccation unit. Alternatively, theone or more molecular sieves may be in the form of continuous mass thatfills, completely or at least partially, the chamber in the desiccationunit.

In an embodiment, the desiccation unit comprises a first chamber havinga first wall, a second wall and one or more third walls, wherein thefirst and second walls are permeable to hydrogen and water, and the oneor more third walls is impermeable to hydrogen and water, and one ormore materials for the removal of water from a gas are disposed in thechamber. In use, the gas stream is passed through the first wall,contacts the one or more materials for the removal of water from a gas,and purified gas stream exits the chamber through the second wall. Thefirst and second walls are preferably porous. The first and second wallsmay comprise a metal. The one or more materials for the removal of waterfrom a gas may be selected from the hygroscopic materials and molecularsieves mentioned above. Preferably, the one or more materials for theremoval of water from a gas comprise molecular sieves. The one or morematerials for the removal of water from a gas may be in particulateform, and first and second walls may be porous and have pores that aresmaller in diameter than the smallest diameter of most of the particlesof the one or more materials for the removal of water from a gas. “Mostof” includes, but is not limited to, at least 90% by weight, optionallyat least 95% by weight, most preferably at least 99% by weight of theparticles. At least some of the particles, optionally at least 50% byweight, optionally at least 75% by weight, optionally at least 90% byweight, of the one or more materials for the removal of water may have aminimum diameter of at least 200 μm, optionally at least 500 μm,optionally at least 0.1 mm, optionally at least 1 mm. In an embodiment,one or both of the first and second walls may comprise a sintered metal.The sintered metal may comprise a metal selected from bronze, brass andstainless steel. The sintered metal may comprise pores having maximumdiameters of 200 μm or less, optionally, 150 μm or less, optionally, 100μm or less, optionally 50 μm or less.

The chamber may be of any suitable three dimensional shape, including,but not limited, to cylindrical, cubic and rectangular prism, with thefirst and second walls preferably being opposed to one another, and theremaining walls constituting the one or more third walls. Preferably,the chamber is the form of a cylinder, with the first and second wallsforming the circular end walls and the third wall forming thecylindrical wall joining first and second walls.

The one or more third walls may be made of any suitable materialimpermeable to hydrogen and water. Such materials are known to theskilled person, and include, but are not limited to, metals such assteel. The one or more third walls are preferably non-porous.

In an embodiment, the desiccation unit comprises a first chamber asdescribed above, and optionally

-   -   (i) a second chamber disposed on the opposite side of the first        wall, the second chamber being substantially free of the one or        more materials for the removal of water from a gas; and/or    -   (ii) a third chamber disposed on the opposite side of the second        wall, the third chamber being substantially free of the one or        more materials for the removal of water from a gas. The second        chamber may comprise one or more inlets for allowing the gas        stream containing hydrogen to enter the second chamber. The        third chamber may comprise one or more outlets for allowing the        gas stream containing hydrogen to exit the third chamber. The        second chamber preferably defines a void that can be filled with        the gas stream containing hydrogen, such that the gas stream        contacts substantially all of the surface of the first wall, to        allow its passage through to the first chamber. “Substantially        all of the surface of the first wall” includes, but is not        limited, at least 80% of the area of the first wall, optionally        at least 90% of the area of the first wall, optionally at least        90% of the area of the first wall.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a device for enrichinghydrocarbon fuel, the device comprising:

-   -   a hydrogen production unit for producing a gas stream containing        hydrogen,    -   an enriching unit for contacting a hydrocarbon fuel and a gas        stream containing hydrogen such that at least some of the        hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce        an enriched hydrocarbon fuel, the hydrogen production unit being        in fluid connection with the enriching unit such that the gas        stream containing hydrogen is passed to the enriching unit, the        enriching unit having an inlet for the hydrocarbon fuel, and    -   an outlet for the enriched hydrocarbon fuel.

The enriching unit may further comprise an outlet for gaseous mixturesproduced upon contacting the hydrocarbon fuel with the gas streamcontaining hydrogen.

The device may comprise:

(i) a first cell for the electrolytic production of hydrogen and oxygen,wherein the first cell is in fluid connection with the enriching unitsuch that a first gas stream containing hydrogen and optionally oxygenfrom the first cell is delivered to the enriching unit,

(ii) a second cell for the electrolytic production of hydrogen andoxygen, wherein the second cell has a conduit for delivery of a secondgas stream containing oxygen and optionally hydrogen generated in thesecond cell to an internal combustion engine, optionally the air intakeof the internal combustion engine. In an embodiment, the first cellproduces two streams, a first gas stream enriched in hydrogen and athird gas stream enriched in oxygen, wherein the first stream isdelivered to the enrichment unit for production of the enrichedhydrocarbon fuel, and the third gas stream is passed to the internalcombustion engine, optionally an air intake of the internal combustionengine. In an embodiment, the second cell produces two streams, a secondgas stream enriched in oxygen and a fourth gas stream enriched inhydrogen, wherein the fourth gas stream is delivered to the enrichmentunit for production of the enriched hydrocarbon fuel, and the second gasstream is passed to the internal combustion engine, optionally an airintake of the internal combustion engine. In the present context, if agas stream is enriched with a particular gas, the gas stream contains atleast 50% by volume of the particular gas, optionally at least 60% byvolume of the particular gas, at least 70% by volume of the particulargas, at least 80% by volume of the particular gas, at least 90% byvolume of the particular gas, at least 95% by volume of the particulargas.

The device may further comprises a heater in fluid connection with anoutlet for the enriched hydrocarbon fuel in the enriching unit, theheater optionally capable of heating the hydrocarbon fuel to atemperature of at least 50° C. The heater may comprise a water heatingsystem, which is connectable to the radiator of a vehicle, such that, inuse, when connected to a radiator system water from the radiator systemcan pass through the heater to heat the enriched hydrocarbon fuel.

The device optionally further comprises a means for subjecting theenriched hydrocarbon fuel to a magnetic field. The means for subjectingthe enriched hydrocarbon fuel to a magnetic field may comprise static orelectromagnets. In an embodiment, the means for subjecting the enrichedhydrocarbon fuel to a magnetic field may comprise superheterodynemagnets.

The device may comprises a conduit for delivery of the enrichedhydrocarbon fuel to an internal combustion engine. The conduit may, forexample, comprise a tube for delivery of the hydrocarbon fuel to theinternal combustion engine. The tube may comprise any material suitablefor conveying a hydrocarbon fuel.

The present invention further provides an internal combustion enginehaving a device of the third aspect attached thereto, the device havinga conduit for delivery of the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to a fuel and/orair intake of the internal combustion engine.

The present invention further provides an internal combustion enginehaving a device of the third aspect attached thereto, wherein the devicecomprises:

(i) a first cell for the electrolytic production of hydrogen and oxygen,wherein the first cell is in fluid connection with the enriching unitsuch that a gas stream containing hydrogen generated in the first cellis delivered to the enriching unit, the enriching unit having an outletfor enriched hydrocarbon fuel that is in fluid connection with a fuelintake of the internal combustion engine;

(ii) a second cell for the electrolytic production of hydrogen andoxygen, wherein the second cell has a conduit for delivery of hydrogengenerated in the second cell to an air intake of the internal combustionengine.

The present invention further provides a vehicle comprising an internalcombustion engine have a device of the third aspect attached thereto, asdescribed herein.

The hydrocarbon fuel may comprise a fuel for use in an internalcombustion engine. The hydrocarbon fuel may comprise petroleum, forexample petroleum spirit, sometimes termed gasoline (in the US) orpetrol (in the UK), diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, compressed naturalgas, jet fuel, biodiesel and alcohols, such as ethanol.

Gasoline, or petroleum, typically comprises hydrocarbons containingbetween 4 and 12 carbon atoms per molecule. Gasoline, or petroleum,typically comprises hydrocarbons that are produced in the distillationof crude oil, such hydrocarbons being distilled from the crude oil at atemperature of from about 30° C. to about 200° C. at atmosphericpressure. The gasoline or petroleum used in the process or device of thepresent invention may have an octane rating, prior to contact with thegas stream containing hydrogen, of at least 50, optionally at least 60,optionally at least 70, optionally at least 80, optionally at least 90.The gasoline or petroleum used in the process or device of the presentinvention may have an octane rating, prior to contact with the gasstream containing hydrogen, of from 85 to 93.

Diesel typically comprises hydrocarbons containing between 8 and 21carbon atoms per molecule. Gasoline typically comprises hydrocarbonsthat are produced in the distillation of crude oil, such hydrocarbonsbeing distilled from the crude oil at a temperature of from about 200°C. and 350° C. at atmospheric pressure.

An internal combustion engine is a term known to the skilled person. Itis typically a mechanical device in which a fuel can be combusted in acombustion chamber, such that the expansion of gases in the combustionchamber applies a force to a movable component of an engine, such as apiston.

The internal combustion engine may be selected from a two-stroke engine,a four-stroke engine, a six stroke engine and a Wankel rotary engine. Afour stroke engine is an engine in which the movable component of theengine, such as a piston, goes through a cycle having four steps. Suchsteps are typically (i) the intake of fuel and an oxidising gas into thecombustion chamber, (ii) compression of the fuel and oxidising gas,(iii) combustion of the fuel and oxidising gas such that the movableparts within the chamber are moved by the expansion of the gases, and(iv) exhaustion, in which the combustion products are exhausted to theatmosphere.

The internal combustion engine may be a petroleum engine or a dieselengine. A petroleum engine is an engine in which the fuel is ignited ina combustion chamber with an electrical spark. A diesel engine is anengine that is adapted such that the fuel is ignited by the compressionof the fuel and heat of the engine, rather than an ignition with anelectrical spark.

The internal combustion engine may comprise one or more air inlets(sometimes termed air inlet manifolds), one or more combustion chambersin fluid connection with the air inlets, one or more fuel inlets forintroduction of hydrocarbon fuel into the engine. The one or more fuelinlets may comprise one or more fuel injection devices for injectingfuel into the engine. The one or more fuel inlets may introduce the fuelinto the one or more combustion chambers or into the one or more airinlets.

In an embodiment, the enriched hydrocarbon fuel may be delivered intothe engine through the fuel inlets. In a preferred embodiment, theenriched hydrocarbon fuel is delivered into the engine through one ormore fuel injection devices, the fuel injection device optionallydelivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to the air intake and/or theone or more combustion chambers.

In an embodiment, the enriched hydrocarbon fuel is delivered into theengine through a fuel inlet, optionally as described above, and a gasstream containing hydrogen and oxygen produced in an electrolyticprocess from water is delivered to the engine through the air inlet. Asdescribed above, optionally, the water may contain an electrolyte, whichmay be as described herein.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described withreference to the Figures.

Note: Figures in Brackets denote the numbering applied to the systemcomponents as detailed in FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic block view of an embodiment of the device ofthe present invention attached to an internal combustion engine.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of the Fuel Enhancement Chamber showing itsprinciple parts.

The embodiment of FIG. 1 uses two cells (1, 2) for electrolyticallyproducing hydrogen and oxygen from water by utilising existing excesspower from the vehicles alternator (23). This does not impinge on thepower used to charge the vehicles battery (22). Each cell comprises aplurality of electrodes A, which, in use form the anodes of the cell,and a plurality of electrodes C, which, in use, form the cathodes of thecell. The electrodes A and C are be arranged as a series of plates in analternating manner, i.e. wherein, aside from the end plates in theseries, each electrode A is disposed between two electrodes C, and eachelectrode C being disposed between two electrodes A. A conductiveneutral substrate is disposed between each adjacent electrode A andelectrode C, and a non-conductive substrate, e.g. a non-conductivegasket, is disposed between each electrode and adjacent conductiveneutral substrate. Such a cell is sometimes terms a dry cell. Allelectrodes A, C and the neutral conducting substrates contact the waterin the cell. The water in the cell partially covers the electrodes A andC and the neutral conducting substrates. Each cell is filled with anaqueous electrolyte solution, typically potassium hydroxide, and iscompleted by positive and negative terminals. Inlet and outlet tubesfrom the cell give a feed and return system to a bubbler/reservoir (notshown on diagram) which ensures a constant level of electrolyte withinthe dry cell and an outlet for the generated gas, i.e. the gas streamcontaining hydrogen.

Each of the cells (1, 2) produces a gas stream containing hydrogen whichis passed through two purification units in sequence. The firstpurification unit (3, 10) comprises a plurality of chambers containingdeionised water, the one or more chambers being adapted for passing thegas stream containing hydrogen through the water. The first purificationunit (3, 10), which may also be termed gas scrubbing devices, is shownin more detail in FIG. 3. All of the walls of the first purificationunits are fabricated from 316 stainless steel. The gas stream containinghydrogen bubbles through the deionised water in each compartmentsequentially, and the caustic species in the gas stream that may bepresent from the electrolysis process, are dissolved into the water,producing a purified gas stream. This purification step is veryimportant since a certain amount of caustic vapour is carried over fromthe electrolysis process. This vapour, if not treated, has been found tocause severe problems within aluminium cylinder heads, parts etc.

The final step in purification of the gas is to pass it through a secondpurification unit comprising a molecular sieve trap (4, 11) to dry itprior to introduction of the gas into the air intake or the FuelEnhancement Chamber. A cross section of the molecular sieve trap isshown in FIG. 4. The molecular sieve trap comprises a chamber in theform of a cylinder, having particles of a molecular sieve disposedbetween two gas permeable circular sintered metal disks. A void ispresent between the end walls of the cylinder and the two circularsintered metal disks. Each end wall of the cylinder comprises anaperture for allowing a gas stream to pass into or out of the cylinderas appropriate. The drying of the gas stream comprising hydrogen hasbeen found to produce a smoother, less “explosive” combustion when theenriched hydrocarbon fuel is combusted in an internal combustion engine.The molecular sieve traps can be sized dependant on gas flow rates andexpected water content and will typically be packed with molecular sievetype 4A or 5A.

The gas stream containing hydrogen that is generated from cell 1 (1),after purification as described, is introduced into the fuel enrichmentdevice (6A; otherwise termed a Fuel Enrichment Chamber in the Figure),FIG. 2 via a Pressure Control Valve (5).

The fuel enrichment device 6A is shown as FIG. 2 and will be describedbelow in more detail. The fuel enrichment device 100 comprises asubstantially cylindrical vessel 102 that is divided into a number ofchamber portions by dividers or partitions. The vessel 102 is separatedinto a first gas chamber portion 104, a liquid chamber portion 106, anintermediate chamber portion 108 and a second gas chamber portion 110.Although in this embodiment the chamber portions are sub-divisions of asingle vessel, in other embodiments, each chamber portion may be formedfrom a single vessel with the vessels fluidly interconnected.

The fuel enrichment device 100 can be connected to a vehicle having aninternal combustion engine and used to enhance a liquid hydrocarbonfuel, such as petrol or diesel, with hydrogen. In the presentembodiment, the device 100 comprises a gas inlet 122 which is connectedto the pressure control valve (5, 138), a liquid inlet 136 which isconnected to the fuel tank of the vehicle, which may contain petrol ordiesel for example, a liquid outlet 140 which is connected to the fuelinjector pumps of the engine, and a gas outlet 150 which is connected tothe air intake manifold of the engine. The fuel enrichment device 100 isused to dissolve hydrogen gas into the liquid hydrocarbon fuel, therebyenhancing its properties.

The first gas chamber portion 104 is at the bottom of the vessel 102 andis delimited by the base 112 of the vessel, the side walls 114 of thevessel and a partition 116. The partition 116 is substantially parallelto the base 112 and extends across the whole of the cross-section of thevessel 102. The partition 116 is provided with a fluid passageway 118that is located in the centre of the partition and a non-return valve120 is disposed in the fluid passageway 118. The non-return valve 120 isset at approximately 1-2 psi (6.89-13.79 kPa). The fluid passageway 118allows fluid communication between the first gas chamber portion 104 andthe liquid chamber portion 106 which is positioned above the partition.The non-return valve 120 allows fluid flow from the first gas chamberportion 104 to the liquid chamber portion 106 when the pressure in thefirst gas chamber portion 104 exceeds the threshold pressure of thenon-return valve 120, but prevents fluid flow in the opposite direction.The first gas chamber portion 104 is also provided with the gas inlet122 that allows gas from a gas source (e.g. the gas stream containinghydrogen deriving from the first cell) to be introduced into the firstgas chamber portion 104. The gas inlet 122 is provided with asolenoid-driven gas inlet valve 124 that controls the supply of gas tothe first gas chamber portion 104. The first gas chamber portion 104also has a pressure relief valve 126 that is set at an appropriatepreset value. When the pressure in the first gas chamber portion 104exceeds the preset value, the pressure relief valve 126 opens and gas isdischarged from the first gas chamber portion 104 causing the pressurein the first gas chamber portion 104 to be reduced. This prevents thepressure in the first gas chamber portion 104 from becoming excessivelyhigh.

The fuel enrichment device 100 comprises a means for pressurising thegas in the first gas chamber portion 104. In this particular embodimentthe means for pressurising the gas in the first gas chamber portion 104is a piston 128 that is slidably disposed in the first gas chamberportion 104. The piston 128 extends across substantially the whole ofthe cross section of the first gas chamber portion 104 and can slide inthe general axial direction of the vessel 102. The piston 128 is sealedagainst the inner surface of the side walls 114 of the first gas chamberportion 104 using two O-rings 130 that circumferentially extend aroundthe piston 128. The piston 128 is driven by a solenoid actuator 132which can move the piston 128 up and down within the first gas chamberportion 104. In FIG. 1, the piston 128 and the solenoid actuator 132form the solenoid valve 6C, which is driven from a signal in thepressure switch, 6B. The piston 128 can be driven a desired number ofcycles per minute by the actuator 132, typically 10 to 30, andpreferably about 20 cycles per minute.

When the piston begins its compression stroke the pressure control valve(5) shown in FIG. 1 closes to prevent gas being back pressurised intothe gas feed from the molecular sieve trap (4). The non-return valveopens and allows the compressed gas to enter the upper chamber. Thesprung gauze is lifted slightly to allow the gas to spread beneath itand allow uniform diffusion through the fuel. The saturation level ofthe gases in the fuel will be determined by the ratio of volume A tovolume B as detailed above.

The liquid chamber portion 106 is positioned above the first gas chamberportion 104 and is delimited by the partition 116, the side walls 114 ofthe vessel 102 and a baffle plate 134. The baffle plate 134 issubstantially parallel to the partition 116 and extends across theentire cross-section of the vessel 102. The baffle plate 134 is providedwith a plurality of apertures that provide fluid communication betweenthe liquid chamber portion 106 and the intermediate chamber portion 108.The liquid chamber portion 106 is provided with the liquid inlet 136that allows liquid fuel to be introduced into the liquid chamber portion106. A non-return valve 138 is disposed in the liquid inlet 136 andallows flow into the liquid chamber portion 106 but prevents flow out ofthe liquid chamber portion 106 through the liquid inlet 136. Thenon-return valve 138 is set at approximately 1-2 psi (6.89-13.79 kPa)below the fuel pump operating pressure of the fuel delivery system ofthe vehicle. The liquid chamber portion 104 is also provided with theliquid outlet 140. A diffuser screen 142, in the form of a bronze gauze,is disposed towards the bottom of the liquid chamber portion 106. Thediffuser screen 142 is substantially parallel to the partition andextends across substantially the entire cross-section of the liquidchamber 106. The diffuser screen 142 is resiliently biased towards tothe partition 116 by a plurality of springs 144 connected between theunderside of the screen 142 and the upper surface of the partition 116.In a resting state the diffuser screen 142 rests against the uppersurface of the partition 116. When the pressure in the first gas chamberportion 104 increases and exceeds the preset value of the non-returnvalve 120, the valve opens and gas enters the liquid chamber portion 106through the fluid passageway 118 and this causes the diffuser screen 142to axially move away (or lift) from the partition 116. This allows thepressurised gas to flow to a region of the liquid chamber portion 106between the partition 116 and the diffuser screen 142 and through thediffuser screen 142 into the liquid chamber portion 106.

The relative volumes of the first gas chamber portion 104 and the liquidchamber portion 106 can be adjusted depending on the engine type and thelevel of saturation of the hydrogen into the fuel required. Thevolumetric ratio of the first gas chamber portion 104 to the liquidchamber portion 106 preferably fulfils the ratio X+0.5:1 where X is theoperating pressure of the fuel pump of the vehicle's fuel deliverysystem in bars.

A semi-permeable membrane 146 is disposed above the baffle plate 134 andextends across the entire cross-section of the vessel 102. Thesemi-permeable membrane 146 defines a second gas chamber portion 110between the top 148 of the vessel and the side walls 114 and defines anintermediate chamber portion 108 between the baffle plate 134 and theside walls 114. The second gas chamber portion 110 is provided with agas outlet 150 that is provided with a solenoid-controlled valve 152.The valve 152 controls the flow of gas out of the second gas chamberportion 110 through the gas outlet 150.

In use, with the piston 128 positioned at the bottom of the first gaschamber portion 104, the first gas chamber portion 104 is filled with ahydrogen/oxygen gas mixture through the gas inlet 122. The flow of gasinto the chamber 104 is controlled by the valve 124. Liquid hydrocarbonfuel, such as petrol, from the vehicle's fuel tank fills the liquidchamber potion 106. This is controlled by the vehicle's fuel deliverysystem. The piston 128 then moves upwards within the first gas chamberportion 104 to compress the hydrogen/oxygen gas. This increases thepressure of the gas which causes it to flow into the liquid chamberportion 106 through the non-return valve 120 in the fluid passageway118. The pressurised hydrogen/oxygen gas causes the diffuser screen 142to move away from the partition 116 which allows the pressurised gas toflow to a region between the screen 142 and the partition 116. Thepressurised hydrogen/oxygen gas then flows through the diffuser screen142 and into the liquid hydrocarbon fuel within the liquid chamberportion 106. The diffuser screen 142 helps to promote the uniformdiffusion of the hydrogen/oxygen gas into the liquid fuel. The pressureof the hydrogen/oxygen gas causes the hydrogen to diffuse through thefuel and dissolve into it. The hydrogen displaces the nitrogen from thefuel and any excess gas and fuel vapour is forced through the baffleplate 134 into the intermediate chamber portion. The fuel in the liquidchamber 106 is enriched, or enhanced, with hydrogen and is deliveredthrough the liquid outlet to the fuel injector pumps of the vehicle'sengine. At least some of the fuel vapour is retained in the intermediatechamber portion by the semi-permeable membrane 146 and any excess gas,such as hydrogen/oxygen/nitrogen, passes through the semi-permeablemembrane 146 into the second gas chamber portion 110. This excess gascan then be fed to the air intake manifold of the vehicle's enginethrough the gas outlet 150. The excess gas may contain fuel vapour whichcan be fed to the air intake manifold of the engine.

Compressing hydrogen and oxygen into the liquid hydrocarbon fuelprovides a number of benefits. Some hydrogen and oxygen is dissolvedinto the fuel which causes partial saturation of the fuel. Thisincreases the octane rating, or RON, of the fuel. Dissolved impuritieswithin the fuel, such as nitrogen, are forced out of solution by thehydrogen/oxygen and this prevents or reduces the formation of NOx duringthe combustion process. The partially saturated fuel fed to the fuelinjector pumps from the liquid outlet 140 has a reduced viscosity whichleads to a much finer misting on passing though the fuel injectorsystem. This gives much better mixing with the enriched air from the airintake manifold and thus results in improved burning characteristics(combustion efficiency).

As the piston 128 moves back down to the bottom of the first gas chamberportion 104 the pressure within the vessel 102 reduces and the diffuserplate 106 returns to a resting position in which it sits on top of, orclose to, the partition 116. The cycle then starts again with the firstgas chamber portion 104 being filled with hydrogen/oxygen gas and theliquid chamber portion 106 filling with liquid fuel. The diffuser platemay comprise any suitable material, for example a metal or alloy. In apreferred embodiment, the diffuser plate comprises bronze.

Displaced and excess gases from the fuel are passed through thesemi-permeable membrane as described above, which may be constructed ofVyon®R (commercially available from Porvair Filtration Group) whichretains the majority of any fuel in the excess gas in the upper chamberwhilst allowing the hydrogen and oxygen to pass through. This gas exitsvia a solenoid valve and is introduced into the engine air intake (9) tobe burned as part of the combustion process.

The enhanced fuel, containing dissolved hydrogen and oxygen, is fed, viaa further non return valve set at Y+2 psi (where Y is the desiredoperating pressure of the upper chamber in psi) into the magneticpre-heat chamber (7).

The partially saturated fuel then undergoes a two stage process in themagnetic pre-heat chamber (7) which warms the fuel (thus ensuring atleast some of the hydrogen and oxygen gas remain in solution and do not“froth”) and magnetic realignment of the fuel molecules using one ormore magnets, e.g. as described herein, for example superheterodynemagnets, again known to enhance combustion efficiency. Superheterodynemagnets are known to those skilled in the art and include magnets thatproduce an oscillating magnetic field. Such magnets have been found toimprove the combustion of the hydrocarbon fuel. While not being limitedby theory, the present inventors consider that this is due to theinteraction of the hydrogen, oxygen and fuel molecules within theoscillating magnetic field, which is believed to produce a closerassociation of the hydrogen and oxygen with the fuel molecules. Themagnetic pre-heat chamber consists of a chamber lined withsuperheterodyne magnets (to provide the magnetic alignment) and jacketedwith warm water from the radiator system, taken off upstream of theradiator thermostat.

This enhanced fuel is fed, via the injector pump (8), into the engine(9) where it is mixed with the air/hydrogen/oxygen mixture from dry cell2 (2) and the excess gas/fuel from the fuel enhancement chamber (6 a).This mixture is considered to be optimised for combustion.

In the engine air intake (9), purified oxygen and hydrogen thatoriginated from dry cell 2 (2) replaces a portion of the air to give anenriched air mixture that enhances the combustion process by displacingnitrogen (for every litre of purified gas introduced into the airintake, 0.79 litres of nitrogen (approx) is displaced) and thus reducingthe NOx output, and by increasing the overall energy potential of thefuel mixture. The speed of combustion is also dramatically increased andis proportional to the hydrogen: ratio. Hydrogen on its own burns atbetween 3-6 cm/min as compared with petrol which burns at a speed of0.2-0.9 cm/min. The more hydrogen that is present in the combustionmixture, the quicker the mixture will burn to completion.

Any enhanced fuel that is unused in the process is reintroduced into thevehicle fuel tank (13) via the common fuel return (12). This returnedfuel is effectively clean of unwanted dissolved gases and has a higheroctane rating due to the presence of dissolved hydrogen. Since the fuelhas been partially saturated it is expected that some gas will bereleased into the bulk fuel supply where it will be absorbed. Thus, thelonger the vehicle is run (on the same tank of fuel) the more enrichedthe bulk fuel will become with dissolved hydrogen and oxygen and thebetter the efficiency will be. To prevent pressurisation of the fueltank a pressure relief valve (15) is introduced which will allow anybuild up of gas/fuel pressure to effectively be relieved into the airintake where it can be safely introduced into the engine for combustion.

FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a further embodiment of the Fuel EnhancementChamber, which differs from that of FIG. 2 in that the piston is drivenby a screw mechanism, rather than a solenoid.

EFIE and ELECTRONICS

The system described above and shown in FIG. 1 may be controlled by anEFIE (Electronic Fuel Injection Enhancement) device (20). EFIE devicesare known to those skilled in the art. An EFIE is sometimes referred toas an ECU (Engine Control Unit). The EFIE ensures that the enginereceives the optimum ignition timing and air/fuel ratio at all RPM andload conditions. Optionally, the EFIE controls the amount of hydrogenand optionally oxygen gas contacted with the hydrocarbon fuel dependingon the engine speed. For example, the EFIE can control the ratio‘volumetric rate of delivery of the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to theinternal combustion engine (in L/min):volumetric rate of hydrogen in thegas stream containing hydrogen contacted or passed through thehydrocarbon fuel to produce the enriched hydrocarbon fuel (in L/min)’,as described above. The engine is also smoother, delivers greaterresponse and maximises fuel efficiency at all RPM and throttlepositions. The EFIE can be programmed to recognise driving style andenvironment. The EFIE can constantly monitor and adjust the enginelevels and the system described above to maximise fuel efficiency. Afive map EFIE can be programmed to recognise Urban, Motorway, Off road,Load Carrying and Towing conditions, or, in fact, any particularscenario that may be envisaged for the vehicle in question. It can alsobe programmed to perform in different theatres such as deserts,maritime, high altitude etc. The EFIE may be supplied with a standardset of optimisation parameters but can be simply reprogrammed by downloading updated parameters via the internet and “Flashing” the EFIEmemory by USB connection to a laptop.

This EFIE can be reprogrammed easily, which allows the present inventionto be employed in a variety of situations, including, if desired, inmilitary applications, as well as allowing the user of the system toremove the system from their vehicle, and attach it to a new vehiclewith minimal cost, with the EFIE simply needing to be reprogrammed forthe new vehicle. Suitable programmes may be available on-line.

The EFIE also incorporates a timer circuit (19) that allows the enginemanagement system to go through its health check routine prior toswitching on the dry cell gas generators; this prevents the vehicle ECU(21) from becoming confused at the difference in combustioncharacteristics that are present due to the hydrogen/oxygen gasenhancement.

The circuit is completed by the addition of a relay (18), master switch(17) and circuit breaker (16).

EXAMPLES Example 1 A 2.4 Litre Diesel Car, Standard Manufacturer'sConfiguration

In the standard configuration, the above vehicle will return, onaverage, 42 mpg at an average speed of 60 mph. This equates to a fuelusage of 1.43 gallons per hour, or 6.5 litres per hour. The average flowrate of the diesel into the engine is 0.11 litres/min. A standardlaboratory built dry cell will return 1.5 litres/min of Hydrogen andOxygen split in the ratio 2:1 i.e. 1 litre of hydrogen per minute and0.5 litres of Oxygen per minute at 15 Amps.

Two dry cells used in the configuration described above are configuredto produce 3 litres/minute of gas. 1.5 litres is passed through the fuelenhancement device per minute, compressed to 3.5 bars into the dieselfuel to displace nitrogen gas and saturate the fuel at approximately 3bars. The fuel/vapour residual gas is taken into the air intake where itis mixed with the 1.5 litres of purified gas from the second dry celland finally into the combustion chamber where it is mixed with theenhanced diesel prior to ignition.

The engine in this configuration will give an increase in mpg of atleast 43% (18 mpg), with a corresponding decrease in carbon footprint.The NOx output is reduced to levels approaching zero. The particulatesare reduced to levels approaching zero.

Example 2 A 4.0 Litre Petrol Jeep, Standard Manufacturer's Configuration

In the standard configuration, the above vehicle will return, onaverage, 15 mpg at an average speed of 60 mph. This equates to a fuelusage of 4.0 gallons per hour, or 18.2 litres per hour. The average flowrate of the diesel into the engine is 0.30 litres/min.

A standard laboratory built dry cell is configured to produce 2.0litres/min of Hydrogen and Oxygen split in the ratio 2:1, i.e. 1.34litres of hydrogen per minute and 0.66 litres of Oxygen per minute at 20Amps.

Two dry cells are used in this instance to produce 4.0 litres/minute ofgas. 2.0 litres are passed through the fuel enhancement chamber perminute, compressed to 3.5 bars into the petrol to displace nitrogen gasand saturate the fuel at approximately 3 bars. The fuel/vapour residualgas is taken into the air intake where it is mixed with the 2.0 litresof purified gas from the second dry cell and finally into the combustionchamber where it is mixed with the enhanced fuel prior to ignition.

The engine in this configuration will give an increase in mpg of atleast 30% (4.5 mpg), with a corresponding decrease in carbon footprint.The NOx output is reduced to levels approaching zero.

Example 3 A 10.5 Litre Diesel Truck, Standard Manufacturer'sConfiguration

In the standard configuration, the above vehicle will return, onaverage, 6.7 mpg at an average speed of 40 mph. This equates to a fuelusage of 5.97 gallons per hour, or 27.2 litres per hour. The averageflow rate of the diesel into the engine is 0.45 litres/min.

In this case larger volumes of gas are required, necessitating the useof pairs of dry cells in parallel. For the above example, six dry cells,in two groups of three, would be run at 15-20 Amps, to give 9.0-10.0litres/min of Hydrogen and Oxygen split in the ratio 2:1 i.e. 6.0 litresof hydrogen per minute and 3.0 litres of Oxygen per minute at ˜15 Amps.

4.5 litres are passed through the fuel enhancement chamber per minute,compressed to 3.5 bars into the petrol to displace nitrogen gas andsaturate the fuel at approximately 3 bars. The fuel/vapour residual gasis taken into the air intake where it is mixed with the 4.5 litres ofpurified gas from the second dry cell and finally into the combustionchamber where it is mixed with the enhanced fuel prior to ignition.

The engine in this configuration will give an increase in mpg of atleast 30% (2.0 mpg), with a corresponding decrease in carbon footprint.The NOx output is reduced to levels approaching zero. The particulatesare reduced to levels approaching zero.

In the embodiment described above the effect of compressing the hydrogenand oxygen into the fuel is fourfold:

1/Some Hydrogen and Oxygen is dissolved into the hydrocarbon fuelitself, causing partial saturation;

2/Dissolved impurities such as nitrogen are forced OUT of solution bythe incoming gas thus preventing any reaction during the combustionprocess that leads to NOx formation;

3/The undissolved gas carries heavy fuel vapour with it as it continueson its' journey to the engine inlet manifold, some of which is retainedby the semi-permeable membrane; and

4/The partially saturated fuel has a reduced viscosity which leads tomuch finer misting on passing through the fuel injection system; thisgives much better mixing with the enriched air from the air intake andthus far better burning characteristics (combustion efficiency).

The present inventors have found embodiments of the present inventionwill provide a number of advantages, including:

1. increasing fuel efficiency, typically measured in mpg, for example,up to 50%, in standard combustion engines running on hydrocarbon fuels;

2. a decreased Carbon Footprint to any vehicle/device using it since itsfuel consumption is decreased;

3. reducing and minimising NOx production by displacement of nitrogenfrom the combustion area and a more efficient combustion cycle in acontained volume;

4. reducing the production of particulates produced in diesel combustionengines by increasing the efficiency of the combustion such that thecombustion by-products are almost exclusively gaseous;

5. minimising engine wear by preventing the build up of carbon depositsknown to occur using standard fuel/air mixtures.

6. cleaning existing engines of their carbon deposits during the first1000-2000 km of operation after installation, thus optimising engineconditions;

7. increasing the Service Interval required for oil changes on vehiclessince no carbon contamination of the oil can occur whilst the system isrunning correctly;

8. the ability of the device of the present invention to system to betransferred from one vehicle to another and optimised using programmableEFIE technology;

9. minimising intrusion to other existing vehicle systems, since thedevice can be compact and requires minimal mechanical interfacing;

10. increasing the performance of poor grade hydrocarbon fuels such thatthey can be used in vehicles that they would otherwise be unsuitablefor;

11. the versatility of the system allowing it to be applied to a widerange of internal combustion engines and vehicles, including marine andaviation vehicles.

In an aspect, the present invention relates to the subject matter asdescribed in the following numbered paragraphs:

1. A process for enriching a hydrocarbon fuel for use in an internalcombustion engine, the process comprising:

-   -   (i) contacting a hydrocarbon fuel with a gas stream containing        hydrogen gas such that at least some of the hydrogen gas is        introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched        hydrocarbon fuel; and    -   (ii) delivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to an internal        combustion engine.

2. The process according to paragraph 1, wherein the process comprises:

-   -   prior to step (i), generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in an        electrolytic process from water to produce a gas stream        containing hydrogen gas and optionally oxygen gas,    -   in step (i), contacting the gas stream with the hydrocarbon fuel        such that at least some of the hydrogen gas is introduced into        the hydrocarbon fuel to produce the enriched hydrocarbon fuel;        and

(ii) delivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to the internal combustionengine.

3. A process for enriching a hydrocarbon fuel, the process comprising:

-   -   generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in an electrolytic        process from water to produce a gas stream containing hydrogen        gas and optionally oxygen gas, and    -   contacting the gas stream with the hydrocarbon fuel such that at        least some of the hydrogen gas is introduced into the        hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel.

4. The process according to paragraph 3, wherein the enrichedhydrocarbon fuel is delivered to an internal combustion engine.

5. The process according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, whereinthe hydrocarbon fuel is a liquid hydrocarbon fuel and, in the contactingof the gas stream with the liquid hydrocarbon fuel, at least some of thehydrogen from the gas stream is dissolved into the hydrocarbon fuel toproduce the enriched hydrocarbon fuel.

6. The process according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, whereinthe enriched hydrocarbon fuel is heated to a temperature of at least 50°C., and then passed to an internal combustion engine.

7. The process according to paragraph 6, wherein the fuel is subjectedto a magnetic field at the same time as it is heated to a temperature ofat least 50° C.

8. The process according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, theprocess comprising:

-   -   generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in an electrolytic        process from water in a first electrolytic cell to produce a        first gas stream containing hydrogen and optionally oxygen,    -   generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in an electrolytic        process from water in a second electrolytic cell to produce a        second gas stream containing oxygen and optionally hydrogen;    -   contacting the first gas stream with the hydrocarbon fuel such        that at least some of the hydrogen gas is introduced into the        hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel, and        delivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to an internal        combustion engine,    -   delivering the second gas stream to the internal combustion        engine, the second gas stream contacting the enriched        hydrocarbon fuel in the internal combustion engine.

9. The process according to paragraph 8, wherein the internal combustionengine comprises an air inlet and a fuel inlet for introduction of thefuel into the engine for contacting the fuel with the air from the airinlet, and the first gas stream is introduced into the engine throughthe fuel inlet and the second gas stream is introduced into the enginethrough the air inlet.

10. The process according to any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein the hydrocarbon fuel is a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, and thecontacting of the gas stream containing hydrogen gas with thehydrocarbon fuel produces the liquid hydrocarbon fuel and a gaseousmixture, the process further comprising separating the enrichedhydrocarbon fuel and the gaseous mixture,

delivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to the internal combustionengine at a fuel inlet of the internal combustion engine; and

delivering the gaseous mixture to the internal combustion engine at anair inlet of the internal combustion engine.

11. The process according to any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein internal combustion engine is running and unused hydrocarbonfuel from the internal combustion engine is circulated such that, afterit has left the internal combustion engine, it is contacted with the gasstream containing hydrogen such that at least some of the hydrogen gasis introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enrichedhydrocarbon fuel, and then passed back to the internal combustionengine.

12. The process according to any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein the enriched hydrocarbon fuel is delivered to an internalcombustion engine at a volumetric rate of delivery V_(e) (in L/min); thehydrocarbon fuel is a liquid hydrocarbon fuel and the gas streamcontaining hydrogen is contacted or passed through the hydrocarbon fuelto produce the enriched hydrocarbon fuel, such that the hydrogen in thegas stream contacts or passes through the hydrocarbon fuel at volumetricrate V_(f) (in L/min), and the ratio of V_(e):V_(f) is 1:1 to 1:15.

13. The process according to paragraph 12, wherein the ratio V_(e):V_(f)is 1:4 to 1:12.

14. The process according to any one of the preceding paragraphs,wherein the hydrocarbon fuel is a liquid hydrocarbon fuel and the gasstream containing hydrogen is passed through the hydrocarbon fuel undera pressure of about 2 bar or more to produced the enriched hydrocarbonfuel.

15. The process according to paragraph 14, wherein the hydrocarbon fuelis a liquid hydrocarbon fuel and the gas stream containing hydrogen ispassed through the hydrocarbon fuel under a pressure of about 3 bar ormore to produced the enriched hydrocarbon fuel.

16. A device for enriching hydrocarbon fuel, the device comprising:

-   -   a hydrogen production unit for producing a gas stream containing        hydrogen,    -   an enriching unit for contacting a hydrocarbon fuel and a gas        stream containing hydrogen such that at least some of the        hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce        an enriched hydrocarbon fuel, the hydrogen production unit being        in fluid connection with the enriching unit such that the gas        stream containing hydrogen is passed to the enriching unit, the        enriching unit having an inlet for the hydrocarbon fuel, and    -   an outlet for the enriched hydrocarbon fuel.

17. A device for enriching a hydrocarbon fuel according to paragraph 16,wherein the hydrogen production unit comprises an electrolytic cell forgenerating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in an electrolytic process fromwater to produce a gas stream containing hydrogen gas and optionallyoxygen gas.

18. The device according to paragraph 16 or paragraph 17, the devicecomprising a heater in fluid connection with the outlet for the enrichedhydrocarbon fuel in the enriching unit, the heater capable of heatingthe hydrocarbon fuel to a temperature of at least 50° C.

19. The device according to paragraph 18, wherein the heater furthercomprises a means for subjecting the enriched hydrocarbon fuel withinthe heater to a magnetic field.

20. The device according to any one of paragraphs 16 to 19, wherein thedevice comprises:

-   -   (i) a first cell for the electrolytic production of hydrogen and        oxygen from water, wherein the first cell is in fluid connection        with the enriching unit such that a first gas stream containing        hydrogen and optionally oxygen from the first cell is delivered        to the enriching unit,    -   (ii) a second cell for the electrolytic production of hydrogen        and oxygen, wherein the second cell has a conduit for delivery        of a second gas stream containing oxygen and optionally hydrogen        generated in the second cell to an internal combustion engine,        optionally the air intake of the internal combustion engine.

21. An internal combustion engine having a device according to any oneof the preceding paragraphs attached thereto, the device having aconduit for delivery of the enriched hydrocarbon fuel from the enrichingunit to a fuel and/or air intake of the internal combustion engine.

22. An internal combustion engine according to paragraph 21 having adevice according to paragraph 20 attached thereto, wherein the conduitfor delivery of the second gas stream is in fluid connection with an airintake of the internal combustion engine.

23. An internal combustion engine according to paragraph 21 or paragraph22, wherein the engine is adapted such that, in use, unused hydrocarbonfuel from the internal combustion engine is circulated such that, afterit has left the internal combustion engine, it is contacted with the gasstream containing hydrogen such that at least some of the hydrogen gasis introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enrichedhydrocarbon fuel, and then passed back to the internal combustionengine.

24. A vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine according to anyone of paragraphs 21 to 23.

In an aspect, the present application relates to the subject matter asdescribed in the following numbered statements:

1. A device for diffusing gas into a liquid, comprising:

-   -   a first gas chamber portion having a gas inlet for introducing        gas into the first gas chamber portion;    -   a liquid chamber portion having a liquid inlet for introducing        liquid into the liquid chamber portion and a liquid outlet,        wherein the first gas chamber portion and the liquid chamber        portion are in fluid communication with each other; and    -   means for pressurising the first gas chamber portion,    -   wherein when the first gas chamber portion is pressurised, the        gas in the first gas chamber portion is diffused into the liquid        in the liquid chamber portion.

2. A device according to statement 1, wherein the means for pressurisingthe first gas chamber portion may comprise a piston slidablydisplaceable within the first gas chamber portion.

3. A device according to statement 2, wherein the piston is arranged tobe driven by a solenoid.

4. A device according to any one of the preceding statements, whereinthe gas inlet in the first gas chamber portion is provided with a gasinlet valve which is arranged to control the supply of gas to the firstgas chamber portion.

5. A device according to statement 4, wherein the gas inlet valve is asolenoid valve.

6. A device according to any one of the preceding statements, whereinthe first gas chamber portion is provided with a pressure relief valve.

7. A device according to any one of the preceding statements, whereinthe device further comprises a non-return valve disposed between thefirst gas chamber portion and the liquid chamber portion that allowsfluid flow from the first gas chamber portion to the liquid chamberportion.

8. A device according to any one of the preceding statements, whereinthe non-return valve is operable such that it will not allow gas to passfrom the first gas chamber portion to the liquid chamber portion wherethe pressure in the gas chamber portion is below a predeterminedpressure and will allow gas to pass from the first gas chamber portionto the liquid chamber portion at or above the predetermined pressure.

9. A device according to any one of the preceding statements, the devicefurther comprising a diffuser screen disposed within the liquid chamberportion, wherein, in use, the gas passes through the diffuser screen soas to promote uniform diffusion of the gas into the liquid.

10. A device according to statement 9, wherein the liquid chamberportion and the first gas chamber portion are separated from each otherby a partition provided with a fluid passageway, wherein the diffuserscreen is resiliently biased towards the partition such that when thegas in the first gas chamber portion is pressurised to at least apredetermined pressure the diffuser screen moves away from the partitionallowing the pressurised gas to flow to a region of the liquid chamberportion between the partition and the diffuser screen and through thediffuser screen into the liquid in the liquid chamber portion.

11. A device according to any one of the preceding statements, whereinthe liquid inlet is provided with a non-return valve that allows fluidflow into the liquid chamber.

12. A device according to any one of the preceding statements, whereinthe device further comprises a second gas chamber portion that is influid communication with the liquid chamber portion through asemi-permeable membrane, the second gas chamber portion having a gasoutlet, wherein, in use, gas can flow from the liquid chamber portionthrough the semi-permeable membrane into the second gas chamber portionand exit the device through the gas outlet.

13. A device according to statement 12, wherein the gas outlet isprovided with a gas outlet valve, which is optionally a solenoid valve.

14. A device according to any one of the preceding statements, whereinthe device further comprises an intermediate chamber portion situatedbetween the liquid chamber portion and the second gas chamber portion,the intermediate chamber portion being separated from the liquid chamberportion by a baffle plate and from the second gas chamber portion by thesemi-permeable membrane.

15. A device according to any one of the preceding statements, wherein

-   -   the liquid inlet of the liquid chamber portion is in fluid        connection with a fuel pump, that is adapted to supply the        liquid to the liquid inlet at a pressure X,    -   the first gas chamber portion has an internal volume that can        change to change the pressure of the gas within the first gas        chamber portion, the first gas chamber portion having a maximum        internal volume, Volume A,    -   the liquid chamber portion has a volume B,    -   and the ratio of A:B is of from (X+0.1 to 1):1, wherein X is        measured in bars.

16. A device according to statement 15, wherein the ratio of A:B is offrom (X+0.3 to 0.7):1, wherein X is measured in bars.

17. The device according to statement 15, wherein the ratio of A:B isabout (X+0.5):1, wherein X is measured in bars

18. A device for enriching hydrocarbon fuel, the device comprising:

-   -   a hydrogen production unit for producing a gas stream containing        hydrogen,    -   an enriching unit for contacting a hydrocarbon fuel and a gas        stream containing hydrogen such that at least some of the        hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce        an enriched hydrocarbon fuel, the hydrogen production unit being        in fluid connection with the enriching unit such that the gas        stream containing hydrogen is passed to the enriching unit, the        enriching unit having an inlet for the hydrocarbon fuel, and    -   an outlet for the enriched hydrocarbon fuel,    -   wherein the enriching unit comprises or is a device for        diffusing gas into a liquid in accordance with any one of        statements 1 to 17, the inlet for the hydrocarbon fuel being or        being in fluid connection with a liquid inlet in the liquid        chamber portion, the outlet for the enriched hydrocarbon fuel        being or being in fluid connection with the liquid outlet in the        liquid chamber portion, and the gas inlet in the first gas        chamber portion being in fluid connection with the enriching        unit such that the gas stream containing hydrogen is passed to        the first gas chamber portion.

19. A device according to statement 18, wherein the hydrogen productionunit comprises an electrolytic cell for generating hydrogen gas andoxygen gas in an electrolytic process from water to produce a gas streamcontaining hydrogen gas and optionally oxygen gas.

20. An internal combustion engine having a device for diffusing gas intoa liquid according to any one of statements 1 to 17 attached thereto,such that the fuel outlet in the device is in fluid communication with afuel inlet in the internal combustion engine.

21. An internal combustion engine having a device for enrichinghydrocarbon fuel in accordance with statement 18 attached thereto, suchthat the fuel outlet in the device is in fluid communication with a fuelinlet in the internal combustion engine.

22. An internal combustion engine according to statement 20 or 21, theinternal combustion engine having one or more fuel injector pumps, afuel tank, the liquid inlet of the device for diffusing gas into aliquid is in fluid communication with the vehicle fuel tank, the gasinlet of the device for diffusing gas into a liquid is in fluidcommunication with the hydrogen production unit, and the liquid outletis in fluid communication with the one or more fuel injector pumps ofthe internal combustion engine.

23. A method for diffusing a gas into a liquid, the method comprising

providing a device for diffusing gas into a liquid in accordance withany one of statements 1 to 17,

introducing a gas into the first gas chamber portion through the gasinlet in the first chamber portion at a first pressure,

introducing a liquid into the liquid chamber portion,

increasing the pressure of the gas in the first chamber portion to atleast a second pressure, wherein, at the second pressure, the gas fromthe first chamber portion is diffused into the liquid into the secondchamber portion.

24. The method according to statement 23 wherein the gas introduced intothe first gas chamber portion is a gas stream containing hydrogen andthe liquid introduced into the liquid chamber portion comprises ahydrocarbon fuel.

25. The method according to statement 24, wherein the diffusing of thegas stream comprising hydrogen into the hydrocarbon fuel produces anenriched hydrocarbon fuel, the enriched hydrocarbon fuel being deliveredto an internal combustion engine.

26. The method according to any one of statements 23 to 25, wherein themethod further comprises

-   -   generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in an electrolytic        process from water to produce a gas stream containing hydrogen        gas and optionally oxygen gas, introducing the gas stream into        the first gas chamber portion through the gas inlet, and    -   the liquid introduced into the liquid chamber portion comprises        a hydrocarbon fuel.

27. The method according to any one of statements 23 to 26, wherein thefirst gas chamber portion has an internal volume that can change tochange the pressure of the gas within the first gas chamber portion, thefirst gas chamber portion having a maximum internal volume A,

the liquid chamber portion has a volume B,

the liquid supplied to the gas chamber portion comprises a hydrocarbonfuel supplied by a fuel pump at a pressure X,

the gas introduced into the first gas chamber portion is a gas streamcomprising hydrogen,

and the ratio of A:B is of from (X+0.1 to 1):1, wherein X is measured inbars.

28. The method according to statement 27, wherein the ratio of A:B is offrom (X+0.3 to 0.7):1, wherein X is measured in bars.

29. The method according to statement 29, wherein the ratio of A:B isabout (X+0.5):1, wherein X is measured in bars.

30. A vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine according to anyone of statements 20 to 22.

In an aspect, the present application relates to the subject matter inthe following numbered clauses:

1. A process for enriching a hydrocarbon fuel, the process comprising:

-   -   generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in an electrolytic        process from water to produce a gas stream containing hydrogen        gas and optionally oxygen gas, and    -   removing in a purification unit at least one or more species        other than hydrogen from the gas stream and then either:    -   (a) (i) contacting a hydrocarbon fuel with the gas stream        containing hydrogen gas such that at least some of the hydrogen        gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an        enriched hydrocarbon fuel; and        -   (ii) delivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to an internal            combustion engine; or    -   (b) delivering the gas stream containing hydrogen gas to an        internal combustion engine for combustion with fuel supplied to        the engine.

2. A process according to clause 1, wherein the purification unitremoves a species from the gas stream that is soluble in water.

3. A process according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the purificationunit comprises one or more chambers containing a polar liquid medium,the one or more chambers being adapted for passing the gas streamcontaining hydrogen through the polar liquid medium in the one or morechambers.

4. A process according to clause 3, wherein the polar liquid mediumcomprises a polar protic solvent.

5. A process according to clause 3, wherein the polar liquid mediumcomprises water.

6. A process according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein thepurification unit comprises one or more desiccation units for removal ofwater from the gas stream.

7. A process according to clause 6, wherein the desiccation unitcomprises a molecular sieve.

8. A process according to clause 7, wherein the desiccation unitcomprises a zeolite selected from zeolite 3A, 4A, 5A and 13X.

9. A process according to any one of clauses 6 to 8, wherein thedesiccation unit comprises a first chamber having a first wall, a secondwall and one or more third walls, wherein the first and second walls arepermeable to hydrogen and water, and the one or more third walls isimpermeable to hydrogen and water, and one or more molecular sieves aredisposed in the chamber, and wherein the first wall and second wallcomprise a porous sintered metal for allowing the gas stream containinghydrogen to pass through the pores of the sintered metal, the sinteredmetal substantially preventing passage of the one or more molecularsieves through the pores of the sintered metal.

10. A process according to clause 9, wherein preferably, the desiccationunit further comprises (i) a second chamber disposed on the oppositeside of the first wall, the second chamber being substantially free ofthe one or more materials for the removal of water from a gas; and/or

(ii) a third chamber disposed on the opposite side of the second wall,the third chamber being substantially free of the one or more materialsfor the removal of water from a gas,

wherein the second chamber defines a void that can be filled with thegas stream containing hydrogen, such that the gas stream contactssubstantially all of the surface of the first wall, to allow its passagethrough to the first chamber.

11. A process according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein thepurification unit comprises a unit comprising one or more chamberscontaining a polar liquid medium, the one or more chambers being adaptedfor passing the gas stream containing hydrogen through the polar liquidmedium in the one or more chambers, and a desiccation unit in fluidconnection with the one or more chambers containing a polar liquidmedium, such that the gas stream is first passed through the one or morechambers containing the polar liquid medium and contacted with the polarliquid medium, and then passed to the desiccation unit.

12. A device for use in the process of any one of the preceding clauses,the device comprising:

-   -   an electrolytic cell for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas        in an electrolytic process from water, the electrolytic cell, in        use, producing a gas stream containing hydrogen and optionally        oxygen,    -   a purification unit for removing at least one or more species        other than hydrogen from the gas stream, the purification unit        being in fluid connection with the electrolytic cell, such that        the gas stream is delivered to the purification unit.

13. A device according to clause 12, wherein the purification unitremoves a species from the gas stream that is soluble in water.

14. A device according to clause 12 or clause 13, wherein thepurification unit comprises one or more chambers containing a polarliquid medium, the one or more chambers being adapted for passing thegas stream containing hydrogen through the polar liquid medium in theone or more chambers.

15. A device according to clause 14, wherein the polar liquid mediumcomprises a polar protic solvent.

16. A device according to clause 14, wherein the polar liquid mediumcomprises water.

17. A device according to any one of clauses 12 to 16, wherein thepurification unit comprises one or more desiccation units for removal ofwater from the gas stream.

18. A device according to clause 17, wherein the desiccation unitcomprises a molecular sieve.

19. A device according to clause 18, wherein the desiccation unitcomprises a zeolite selected from zeolite 3A, 4A, 5A and 13X.

20. A device according to any one of clauses 17 to 19, wherein thedesiccation unit comprises a first chamber having a first wall, a secondwall and one or more third walls, wherein the first and second walls arepermeable to hydrogen and water, and the one or more third walls isimpermeable to hydrogen and water, and one or more molecular sieves aredisposed in the chamber, and wherein the first wall and second wallcomprise a porous sintered metal for allowing the gas stream containinghydrogen to pass through the pores of the sintered metal, the sinteredmetal substantially preventing passage of the one or more molecularsieves through the pores of the sintered metal.

21. A device according to clause 20, wherein preferably, the desiccationunit further comprises (i) a second chamber disposed on the oppositeside of the first wall, the second chamber being substantially free ofthe one or more materials for the removal of water from a gas; and/or

(ii) a third chamber disposed on the opposite side of the second wall,the third chamber being substantially free of the one or more materialsfor the removal of water from a gas,

wherein the second chamber defines a void that can be filled with thegas stream containing hydrogen, such that the gas stream contactssubstantially all of the surface of the first wall, to allow its passagethrough to the first chamber.

22. A device according to any one clauses 12 to 21, wherein thepurification unit comprises a unit comprising one or more chamberscontaining a polar liquid medium, the one or more chambers being adaptedfor passing the gas stream containing hydrogen through the polar liquidmedium in the one or more chambers, and a desiccation unit in fluidconnection with the one or more chambers containing a polar liquidmedium, such that the gas stream is first passed through the one or morechambers containing the polar liquid medium and contacted with the polarliquid medium, and then passed to the desiccation unit.

23. A device for enriching hydrocarbon fuel, the device comprising:

-   -   (i) a hydrogen production unit for producing a gas stream        containing hydrogen;    -   (ii) an enriching unit for contacting a hydrocarbon fuel and a        gas stream containing hydrogen such that at least some of the        hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce        an enriched hydrocarbon fuel, the hydrogen production unit being        in fluid connection with the enriching unit such that the gas        stream containing hydrogen is passed to the enriching unit, the        enriching unit having an inlet for the hydrocarbon fuel, and    -   an outlet for the enriched hydrocarbon fuel;    -   a purification unit as defined in any one of clauses 12 to 22,    -   wherein the hydrogen production unit comprises an electrolytic        cell for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in an        electrolytic process from water, the electrolytic cell, in use,        producing the gas stream containing hydrogen and optionally        oxygen,    -   and wherein the device for enriching hydrocarbon fuel is adapted        such that the gas stream containing hydrogen produced in the        electrolytic cell is passed through the purification device        before being passed to the enriching unit.

24. An internal combustion engine having a device of any one of clauses12 to 22 attached thereto, the device having a conduit for delivery ofthe gas stream from the purification unit to the internal combustionengine.

25. An internal combustion engine according to clause 24, wherein thegas stream from the purification unit is, in use, delivered to theinternal combustion engine through an air inlet of the internalcombustion engine.

1. A process for enriching a hydrocarbon fuel for use in an internalcombustion engine, the process comprising: (i) contacting a hydrocarbonfuel with hydrogen gas such that at least some of the hydrogen gas isintroduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbonfuel.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The process according to claim 1, wherein step(i) involves contacting the hydrocarbon fuel, which is a liquidhydrocarbon fuel, with a gas stream containing hydrogen gas and oxygengas such that at least some of the hydrogen gas and at least some of theoxygen gas is dissolved into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enrichedhydrocarbon fuel by passing the gas stream through the hydrocarbon fuelunder a pressure of more than 1 bar.
 4. The process according to claim1, wherein step (i) involves contacting the hydrocarbon fuel, which is aliquid hydrocarbon fuel, with a gas stream, which is a gas streamcontaining hydrogen gas and oxygen gas such that at least some of thehydrogen gas and at least some of the oxygen gas is dissolved into thehydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel by passing thegas stream through the hydrocarbon fuel under a pressure of more than 2bar.
 5. The process according to claim 1, wherein the process comprises:prior to step (i), generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in anelectrolytic process from water to produce a gas stream containinghydrogen gas and optionally oxygen gas, in step (i), contacting the gasstream with the hydrocarbon fuel such that at least some of the hydrogengas, and, if present, oxygen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuelto produce the enriched hydrocarbon fuel.
 6. The process according toclaim 1, wherein the enriched hydrocarbon fuel is delivered to aninternal combustion engine.
 7. The process according to claim 1, whereinthe enriched hydrocarbon fuel is heated to a temperature of at least 50°C., and then passed to an internal combustion engine.
 8. The processaccording to claim 7, wherein the fuel is subjected to a magnetic fieldat the same time as it is heated to a temperature of at least 50° C. 9.The process according to claim 1, the process comprising: generatinghydrogen gas and oxygen gas in an electrolytic process from water in afirst electrolytic cell to produce a first gas stream containinghydrogen and optionally oxygen, generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gasin an electrolytic process from water in a second electrolytic cell toproduce a second gas stream containing oxygen and optionally hydrogen;contacting the first gas stream with the hydrocarbon fuel such that atleast some of the hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuelto produce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel, and delivering the enrichedhydrocarbon fuel to an internal combustion engine, delivering the secondgas stream to the internal combustion engine, the second gas streamcontacting the enriched hydrocarbon fuel in the internal combustionengine.
 10. The process according to claim 9, wherein the internalcombustion engine comprises an air inlet and a fuel inlet forintroduction of the fuel into the engine for contacting the fuel withthe air from the air inlet, and the first gas stream is introduced intothe engine through the fuel inlet and the second gas stream isintroduced into the engine through the air inlet.
 11. The processaccording to claim 1, wherein the hydrocarbon fuel is a liquidhydrocarbon fuel, and a gas stream containing hydrogen gas is contactedwith the hydrocarbon fuel to produce the enriched hydrocarbon fuel and agaseous mixture, the process further comprising separating the enrichedhydrocarbon fuel and the gaseous mixture, and optionally delivering theenriched hydrocarbon fuel to the internal combustion engine at a fuelinlet of the internal combustion engine; and optionally delivering thegaseous mixture to the internal combustion engine at an air inlet of theinternal combustion engine.
 12. The process according to claim 6,wherein the internal combustion engine is running and unused hydrocarbonfuel from the internal combustion engine is circulated such that, afterit has left the internal combustion engine, it is contacted with the gasstream containing hydrogen such that at least some of the hydrogen gasis introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enrichedhydrocarbon fuel, and then passed back to the internal combustionengine. 13-14. (canceled)
 15. A device for carrying out a process forenriching a hydrocarbon fuel for use in an internal combustion engine,the device adapted to carrying out a process comprising: (i) contactinga hydrocarbon fuel with hydrogen gas and optionally oxygen gas such thatat least some of the hydrogen gas and, if present, oxygen gas isintroduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbonfuel.
 16. A device according to claim 15, wherein the device is adaptedto carrying out a process in which a hydrocarbon fuel, which is a liquidhydrocarbon fuel, is contacted with a gas stream containing hydrogen gasand oxygen gas, such that at least some of the hydrogen gas and at leastsome of the oxygen gas is dissolved into the hydrocarbon fuel to producean enriched hydrocarbon fuel by passing the gas stream through thehydrocarbon fuel under a pressure of more than 1 bar.
 17. A deviceaccording to claim 15, wherein the device is adapted to carrying out aprocess in which a hydrocarbon fuel, which is a liquid hydrocarbon fuel,is contacted with a gas stream containing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas,such that at least some of the hydrogen gas and at least some of theoxygen gas is dissolved into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enrichedhydrocarbon fuel by passing the gas stream through the hydrocarbon fuelunder a pressure of more than 2 bar.
 18. A device according to claim 15,the device comprising: a hydrogen production unit for producing a gasstream containing hydrogen, an enriching unit for contacting ahydrocarbon fuel and a gas stream containing hydrogen such that at leastsome of the hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel toproduce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel, the hydrogen production unit beingin fluid connection with the enriching unit such that the gas streamcontaining hydrogen is passed to the enriching unit, the enriching unithaving an inlet for the hydrocarbon fuel, and an outlet for the enrichedhydrocarbon fuel.
 19. A device for enriching a hydrocarbon fuelaccording to claim 18, wherein the hydrogen production unit comprises anelectrolytic cell for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in anelectrolytic process from water to produce a gas stream containinghydrogen gas and optionally oxygen gas.
 20. The device according toclaim 18, the device comprising a heater in fluid connection with theoutlet for the enriched hydrocarbon fuel in the enriching unit, theheater capable of heating the hydrocarbon fuel to a temperature of atleast 50° C.
 21. The device according to claim 20, wherein the heaterfurther comprises a means for subjecting the enriched hydrocarbon fuelwithin the heater to a magnetic field.
 22. (canceled)
 23. An internalcombustion engine having a device according to claim 1 attached thereto,the device having a conduit for delivery of the enriched hydrocarbonfuel from the enriching unit to a fuel and/or air intake of the internalcombustion engine. 24-25. (canceled)
 26. A vehicle comprising aninternal combustion engine according to claim 23.